LAHORE: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has dismissed calls to drop struggling batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, backing both players despite their disappointing returns in the ongoing home ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England.
Speaking to reporters at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, Shaheen said Pakistan would retain faith in the two left-handers but could consider adding another batter to the squad for future assignments if the team’s needs demanded it. He also acknowledged the strong form of T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan, who has attracted calls for an opportunity in the ODI side.
“No, I don’t think we will drop either of them. If needed, we will bring a batter into the team,” Shaheen said.
Shaheen Afridi said – “I agree my pace has declined, but Pakistan needs wickets, not just pace.” 👀 https://t.co/LOtZFmIHbU
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) October 24, 2026
Shaheen highlights Saim’s all-round contribution
Ayub has struggled to produce significant scores in ODIs, with his last half-century in the format coming against South Africa in November last year. Since then, he has scored 54 runs in four innings at an average of 13.5.
The 24-year-old also failed to make an impact in the current tri-series, scoring seven against Sri Lanka and eight against England.
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However, Shaheen defended Ayub’s place in the side, pointing to his ability to contribute with the ball and in the field as well as with the bat.
The captain cautioned against judging players too quickly after a limited number of matches, arguing that Ayub’s overall contribution should be considered when assessing his value to the team.
Recalling Ayub’s bowling against England, Shaheen said the all-rounder helped contain the opposition when Pakistan needed spin options.
He acknowledged that Ayub understood his recent batting shortcomings but expressed confidence that the young player would return to form.
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi responds to Shahid Afridi’s tweet calling for Sahibzada Farhan to be given a proper opportunity in ODIs and addresses whether Fakhar Zaman or Saim Ayub would make way for him.
#TOKSports #ShaheenShahAfridi #SahibzadaFarhan #SaimAyub #FakharZaman
— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) October 24, 2026
Fakhar remains important to Pakistan’s ODI plans
Shaheen also backed experienced opener Fakhar Zaman, describing him as a key player whose presence was important for Pakistan.
Zaman had entered the tri-series after scoring consecutive half-centuries in his previous appearances but managed only 16 runs in his first two matches of the tournament. His struggles included a golden duck against England.
“I think Fakhar is the main player of Pakistan’s ODI side. And it is very important for him to be in the team,” Shaheen said.
The captain’s comments come amid growing debate over Pakistan’s top-order combination and calls to give Farhan an opportunity in the 50-over format.
🚨SHAHID AFRIDI WANTS A PROPER OPPORTUNITY FOR SAHIBZADA FARHAN IN ODIs.🚨(Via X post)
He said – “My suggestion is to give Sahibzada Farhan a proper opportunity in ODIs.” https://t.co/ziBHuI4NCl
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) October 21, 2026
Farhan may be considered for upcoming assignments
Although Shaheen ruled out dropping either Zaman or Ayub, he left open the possibility of bringing another batter into the squad.
He noted that Pakistan’s bench currently included a wicketkeeper and several spinners, adding that the team could consider Farhan if a batting option was needed.
Shaheen praised the T20I captain’s recent form and said the team would assess players’ progress and performances after the ongoing series.
“If our team needs it, we will definitely bring him,” he said.
Farhan’s potential inclusion has also received support from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who has publicly advocated giving the batter a chance in the ODI setup.
Shaheen Afridi Confirms Lahore Pitches Will Be Similar to Rawalpindi 🗣️ https://t.co/Wszz7fdAje
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) October 24, 2026
Shaheen says accuracy matters more than speed
Shaheen also addressed questions about his bowling pace, saying his speed had improved but emphasising that accuracy and consistency were more important than sheer pace.
“My speed has definitely improved. But I think the Pakistan team needs a wicket, not speed,” he said.
He cited the presence of fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Raza Ullah in the squad, adding that bowlers who maintain the right line and length can create greater difficulties for opposing batters.
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Pakistan’s top-order form and team combination remain key talking points as the side continues its home tri-series campaign and prepares for upcoming international assignments.
