‘For now, I am the captain’: Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam captaincy reports ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup | Cricket News


‘For now, I am the captain’: Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam captaincy reports ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
File Pic: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi (Image credit: AFP)

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has offered a pointed response when asked whether he will remain at the helm for next year’s ODI World Cup, saying, “For now, I am the captain.”Afridi’s comments come amid fresh speculation over Pakistan’s leadership structure, with reports suggesting that former captain Babar Azam could eventually be handed the leadership across formats. With Pakistan having frequently changed captains in recent years, Afridi’s tenure has come under scrutiny despite being appointed ODI skipper only last year.Speaking at a press conference with the captains of the National Champions Cup teams, Afridi was asked whether the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed that he would continue as captain through the 2027 World Cup.“For now, I am the captain,” Afridi replied.

Afridi shifts focus to World Cup preparations

Rather than dwell on the uncertainty surrounding his position, Afridi turned his attention to the National Champions Cup, which runs from August 11 to 18 and features Pakistan’s leading domestic players.The left-arm pacer believes the tournament can play an important role in building the depth Pakistan will need ahead of the World Cup.“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,” Afridi said.He also stressed the importance of allowing players to perform in their preferred roles.“This tournament will give everyone an opportunity to play according to their respective positions,” he said.Afridi believes performances in the competition could directly influence Pakistan’s World Cup planning, with both form and fitness set to be monitored.“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,” he said.

Captaincy uncertainty hangs over Pakistan

Afridi was appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain in October 2025, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. However, Pakistan’s leadership structure has remained unsettled, with Babar reportedly back in contention for a larger leadership role.Reports have suggested that the PCB could eventually make Babar an all-format captain, although there has been no official confirmation of such a move.Afridi, meanwhile, has stressed that his immediate focus remains on leading the side and preparing for the World Cup.Pakistan have a busy schedule ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, including tri-series commitments and a five-match series in England. The upcoming domestic competition will give the selectors another opportunity to assess the depth available to Afridi and identify potential replacements should injuries strike.



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‘Haiwaan’ NEW POSTERS: Akshay Kumar to lock horns with Saif Ali Khan; teaser UPDATE for Priyadarshan’s film OUT |


'Haiwaan' NEW POSTERS: Akshay Kumar to lock horns with Saif Ali Khan; teaser UPDATE for Priyadarshan's film OUT

The makers of Haiwaan have released a fresh set of stills featuring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The new images offer a closer look at the two central characters from Priyadarshan’s upcoming psychological action thriller. Akshay Kumar shared the stills on social media. He also revealed that the film’s teaser is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. His caption hints at the conflict between the two characters and asks viewers to choose their side. The actor wrote, “Vengeance is my reason. Every sense is his weapon. Whose side are you on? Hero ya Haiwaan? #Haiwaan – Teaser Out Tomorrow..”

Akshay Kumar shares new ‘Haiwaan’ stills

The newly released photographs feature Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in intense settings. The stills have added to the curiosity surrounding their respective characters.Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist in the film. Saif Ali Khan takes on the protagonist’s role. His character is a blind martial artist who becomes involved in a dangerous situation. The contrast between the two characters is expected to drive the film’s narrative just like the Malayalam thriller ‘Oppam’.

Saif Ali Khan plays blind martial artist

Saif Ali Khan is set to portray the central protagonist in ‘Haiwaan’. His character is a blind martial artist who relies on his heightened senses to navigate dangerous circumstances. Akshay Kumar, meanwhile, plays the antagonist. The film is expected to build its suspense around the confrontation between the two men. The story follows a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.

Priyadarshan adapts Malayalam film ‘Oppam’

‘Haiwaan’ is directed by Priyadarshan. The filmmaker is adapting his own Malayalam film ‘Oppam’ for Hindi audiences. Released in 2016, Oppam starred Mohanlal in the lead role. The Malayalam thriller centred on a blind character who becomes caught up in a dangerous situation. The original film used the protagonist’s heightened senses as an important part of its suspense. ‘Haiwaan’ retains the basic premise while bringing a new cast to the story.

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite

‘Haiwaan’ marks the return of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan as co-stars after 18 years. The two actors have previously appeared together in films such as ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ and ‘Tashan’. The release of the new stills comes ahead of the film’s teaser. Akshay Kumar has confirmed that the teaser will arrive tomorrow. The promotional campaign is expected to reveal more about the characters and the central conflict. ‘Haiwaan’ is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. The film will mark another collaboration between Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after ‘Bhooth Bangla’.



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‘Portfolios within 24 hours’: Rahul, Kharge discuss Karnataka ministry allocation | India News


'Portfolios within 24 hours': Rahul, Kharge discuss Karnataka ministry allocation
Rahul, Kharge meet to discuss portfolio allocation after Karnataka cabinet expansion

NEW DELHI: Portfolios for ministers inducted in the recent Karnataka cabinet expansion will be allocated within the next 24 hours, news agency ANI reported citing sources. This came after a meeting between Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday.The Karnataka cabinet was expanded earlier this month with 20 new ministers inducted, taking the ministry to its full sanctioned strength of 34, including chief minister DK Shivakumar.The expansion came two months after Shivakumar took office and also saw the return of former ministers including B Nagendra, Laxman Savadi and Zameer Ahmed Khan. Gayathri Shanthegowda is the only woman among the new inductees.

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