Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has responded to reports suggesting that Babar Azam could return to the captaincy ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
Speculation about a possible leadership change has increased in recent days, with reports and comments from former Pakistan cricketers suggesting that Babar could once again be considered for the ODI captaincy. Afridi, however, has indicated that he remains the captain of Pakistan’s ODI side.
Speaking about the reports, Afridi said that he is still the captain at present. His response provides clarity that there has been no officially announced change in Pakistan’s ODI leadership.
Afridi was appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain in October 2025 after Mohammad Rizwan’s tenure ended. The Pakistan Cricket Board selected the left arm fast bowler as part of a leadership change aimed at preparing the team for the next phase of international cricket. The appointment was officially reported at the time by Pakistan media and state broadcaster reports.
Since taking charge, Afridi has been leading Pakistan as the team begins its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, making the coming bilateral series important for Pakistan as it works on squad development and team combinations.
Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most important batting figures. He previously served as Pakistan’s captain in all three formats before stepping down from the leadership role following a difficult period for the national team.
His experience as captain has led to continued speculation whenever Pakistan faces questions over leadership. However, the latest comments from Afridi indicate that the current arrangement remains unchanged.
Babar's return to the leadership position would represent another major change for Pakistan cricket. The team has experienced several captaincy changes in recent years, involving Babar, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood in different formats.
The frequent changes have created discussion about the importance of providing stability to the national side. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Pakistan will need to establish a consistent leadership structure and give players enough opportunities to develop together.
Afridi's own appointment was part of that process. He was chosen to lead the ODI team after Rizwan's tenure, and his role has placed additional responsibility on the fast bowler. Managing the workload associated with captaincy and international fast bowling remains an important challenge for him.
Pakistan's selectors and team management will also have to determine how Babar fits into the team's long term plans. The batter has continued to be considered an important part of the squad, and his experience could be valuable during the preparation period for the World Cup.
Recent Pakistan ODI selections have shown that the team management is also looking at younger players and experimenting with different combinations. The objective is to build a squad capable of competing consistently at the 2027 World Cup rather than relying only on established names.
The captaincy discussion therefore comes at a significant stage for Pakistan cricket. Any change in leadership could influence team selection, playing combinations and the broader preparation strategy for the World Cup.
For now, Afridi's comments suggest that he continues to hold the ODI captaincy. Reports suggesting a return for Babar remain speculation unless the Pakistan Cricket Board officially announces a change.
The situation also highlights the importance of clear communication from the cricket board. Captaincy rumours can create unnecessary uncertainty around a team, particularly when it is preparing for a major international tournament.
Babar's previous leadership experience means he is likely to remain part of discussions about Pakistan's future. At the same time, Afridi has an opportunity to establish himself as the team's long term ODI leader through consistent performances and results.
Pakistan's performances in the upcoming ODI assignments will play an important role in determining the direction of the team. The selectors are expected to continue assessing players, leadership options and combinations as the 2027 World Cup approaches.
The latest development does not confirm any return of Babar Azam as Pakistan's ODI captain. Instead, Afridi's comments indicate that he remains in charge for now.
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 World Cup, Pakistan still has time to settle its leadership structure. Whether Afridi continues until the tournament or the PCB eventually makes another change will depend on future performances, team requirements and decisions by the board.
For the moment, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains Pakistan's ODI captain, while Babar Azam continues to be an important player in the team's plans. The captaincy speculation is expected to continue until the PCB provides a formal decision.