Afridi's suggestion came in the wake of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 debacle.
Afridi highlighted that Babar has failed to create an impact as captain, having led the side in quite a few multi-nation tournaments.
"As far as Babar's captaincy is concerned. I have also captained, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, all have captained. No other captain has been given such an open chance. As soon as the World Cup ends, the captain is blamed. He has had 2-3 World Cups, 2-3 Asia Cups, T20 World Cup, he has had enough chances. Babar has been given enough chances. In our times the captain was under the knife. Now whatever surgery needs to be done, it needs to be done once, and whoever is coming new should be given full time," Afridi told Geo News.
After Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final during last year’s ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam stepped down as skipper from all formats and the T20I captaincy was handed to Shaheen Afridi.
Under Shaheen, Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in a T20I series on the tour of New Zealand and Babar was reinstated in the role.
The Men in Green were eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the group-stage. They paid the price for a Super Over defeat against debutants USA in their campaign opener, followed by a nervy six-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India.
After this dismal show, fans and many former cricketers called for wholesale changes in the Pakistan side, including the removal of Babar Azam as skipper.