Shaheen Afridi Breaks Silence on Captaincy Question Ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has spoken about his future as the team’s captain ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. He is currently leading Pakistan Gold in the National Champions Cup 2026, which will be played from August 11 to 18.

Speaking at a presser with the captains of the National Champions Cup teams, Shaheen was asked if the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed that he would continue as captain until the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. This is one of the most pressing questions in the Pakistan cricket community, as the PCB has gone through several leadership changes in recent years.

"For now, I am the captain," replied Pakistan ODI skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afridi then focused towards the National Champions Cup, saying this an important tournament that will help produce new talent for Pakistan cricket.

"Whenever we go to a World Cup, we face a lot of injuries. In case there are any injuries before the World Cup, we will already have players available. The tournament pool will make it easier for us to find replacements," said Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afridi further said that the tournament will give opportunity to all the players to showcase their talent by playing at their preferred positions.

"This tournament will give everyone an opportunity to play according to their respective positions," said Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The Pakistan ODI captain said the Champions Cup will be a good chance to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. He added that the team management will keep an eye on the players’ performances as well as their fitness in this tournament.

"All the players will try to put in good performances. As I said, our focus is on the World Cup. Besides individual performances, the performances and fitness of other players will also be assessed.” said Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan Gold Squad

Playing XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Muhammad Imran and Saad Khan.

National Champions Cup 2026 Schedule

• August 11: Pakistan Greens vs Pakistan Whites
• August 12: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Gold
• August 13: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Whites
• August 14: Pakistan Gold vs Pakistan Greens
• August 15: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Greens
• August 16: Pakistan Gold vs Pakistan Whites
• August 18: Final