Basit Ali doubts Shaheen Afridi’s return as captain; questions Mike Hesson's future 

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has said he does not expect Shaheen Shah Afridi to be reinstated as captain of the national side, suggesting that the team management may now look towards emerging talent for future leadership roles.

Speaking on the programme Har Lamha Purjosh while analysing Pakistan’s performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Basit criticised what he described as a pattern of constant changes after every defeat.

“Everything is going wrong. After each loss, there are changes instead of stability,” he observed, arguing that inconsistency in decision-making has hurt team cohesion.

کوچ مائیک ہیسن کی چھٹی؟؟ شاہین آفریدی کی کپتانی بھی خطرے میں؟؟ اہم خبریں#ARYNews pic.twitter.com/xnthRKT99F

— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) March 3, 2026

Sports journalist Shahid Hashmi also weighed in on the matter, suggesting that head coach Mike Hesson may soon make a significant announcement regarding his future.

Hashmi noted that Hesson has travelled to New Zealand and may clarify from there whether he intends to continue in his role. “I would be surprised if he returns and travels with the team to Bangladesh,” he added.

Basit Ali further speculated that the Pakistan Cricket Board may not continue with Hesson, hinting at possible administrative changes ahead.

He remarked that foreign coaches often avoid formal dismissal to prevent the stigma associated with being sacked, though he believes the current PCB leadership may opt for a different direction.