Pakistan’s regular skipper, Babar Azam has been given rest for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, which will commence on March 24, 2023. Three T20I series will be played in UAE, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have appointed Vice-Captain, Shadab Khan as the new skipper of Pakistan T20I format of the UAE tour.
Fans have started the debate after PCB’s newly appointed skipper, discussion on whether Shaheen Shah Afridi should be given chance to lead the side ahead of Shadab has started. Shahid Afridi has now shared his opinion on the ongoing buzz, that he is happy with the cricket board’s decision to appoint the new skipper.
Afridi said that he suggested Shaheen not lead Lahore Qalanadrs-
“I am not even remotely related to the cricket board. I suggested Shaheen not to take up franchise captaincy either in PSL, let alone national team’s captaincy,” said the former Pakistani skipper.
Earlier this year for the New Zealand tour of Pakistan, the Management Committee of PCB, headed by Chairman Najam Sethi, had appointed Shahid as the interim Chief Selector of the men’s cricket team for the NZ series. The ‘Black Caps’ won the ODI series by 2-1 against the Men in Green.
“Secondly, the decision taken by the board is wise and suits well according to seniority. In the absence of Babar, the role befittingly goes to Shadab, as he’s been serving as vice-captain for quite a while now. I am well pleased with the decision,” he further added.
while, Babar has been the buzz for a few months, especially after Pakistan has not managed to win any test match in 2022 on their home soil under his leadership. At the same time, Pakistan’s star player club performance in PSL 2023 is also the reason for his criticism.
In the PSL 8, Peshawar Zalmi has managed to win only five games out of 10 matches it played this season, while Zalmi skipper has scored 416 runs in nine matches it played in PSL 2023. Meanwhile, Shaheen led- Lahore Qalandars are at the top with seven wins out of 10 matches it played, the Lahore-based side won the PSL 2022 by beating Multan Sultans.
My incredible team and an even better support in Lahore throughout. We are off to Pindi and expecting the same atmosphere there as well. See you all soon. ?#QalandarHum pic.twitter.com/5j7SsVnti2
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) March 5, 2023
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif came down hard on PCB chief Najam Sethi, and head of selection committee Haroon Rasheed for their decision to rest captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan amongst others for the upcoming three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Pakistan squad for T20I series in UAE: Shadab Khan (C), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.
Reserves: Haseebullah, Usama Mir, Abrar Ahmed
Also read: Suresh Raina Brutally Trolls Shahid Afridi As He Gives Huge Update On his Potential Return To IPL