Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali reckons that Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan is ready to lead Pakistan. When asked if Shadab could lead the national team, the pacer stated that the Islamabad United skipper is always ready to take on any challenge.Babar Azam's captaincy has come under the scanner and faced criticism after Pakistan failed to win a single Test at home against England and New Zealand under his leadership. New Zealand then defeated Pakistan in the recently concluded ODI series, adding more pressure on Babar.
"He is ready [for the Pakistan captaincy]. He has proved himself as a captain in PSL. I think he has also led Pakistan in two matches, so I think he is ready. He is always ready for any challenge and gives his best," Hasan said when he was asked to share his thoughts on Shadab as the next Pakistan captain.
Hasan and Shadab both play for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with the latter leading the team since 2019. Shadab is also Pakistan's limited overs vice-captain, but Shan Masood replaced him for the New Zealand series, which the spinner missed due to injury.
Shadab has led Islamabad 32 times, with the team winning 17 and losing 15. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is rumoured to be considering splitting the leadership role and potentially replacing Azam as captain in one of the formats.
Shadab is Pakistan's vice-captain in limited-overs cricket. However, due to injury, he missed the recent ODI series against New Zealand, and Shan Masood was named vice-captain for that series. Azam will captain the Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The latest PSL season began on Monday, with Lahore Qalandars defeating Multan Sultans by one run in the season opener. The match also marked Shaheen Shah Afridi's return to competitive cricket after being sidelined for several months due to a knee injury. Read More On...
