Pakistan cricket team considers Shaheen Afridi as new vice-captain
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- Hum News
- Sep 19, 2023
KARACHI: In a notable development within the Pakistan cricket team, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as a leading contender for the position of vice-captain.
According to Geo, this possible change in leadership follows in the wake of Pakistan’s less-than-satisfactory performance against India and Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup 2023, leading to questions about Captain Babar Azam’s leadership in the tournament.
Babar Azam has come under criticism not only for his captaincy but also for persistently including vice-captain Shadab Khan in the playing XI, despite Khan’s struggling form in both bowling and batting. During the Asia Cup 2023, Shadab Khan managed to secure six wickets at an average of 40.83 in five matches.
In light of these circumstances, Shaheen Afridi, the left-arm fast bowler renowned for his 255 international wickets and back-to-back Pakistan Super League (PSL) triumphs in 2022 and 2023 with Lahore Qalandars, is being considered as the possible replacement for Shadab Khan as the team’s vice-captain.
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Shaheen Afridi has exhibited leadership qualities in the PSL and has a substantial international cricket record, with 27 Test matches, 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 52 T20Is to his name.
Meanwhile, the decision regarding a change in team leadership ultimately rests with Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Zaka Ashraf. However, it is unlikely that Babar Azam will be replaced as the team’s captain before the upcoming major event. The prospects are that Shaheen Afridi may assume the role of vice-captain in place of Shadab Khan.
Additionally, there have been reports suggesting that the team management, including chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam, is contemplating adjustments to the 15-member squad for the upcoming major event.
Geo indicated that given the team’s recent performance, the likelihood of Mohammad Haris, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Faheem Asraf making it to the World Cup squad appears dim. Conversely, Hassan Ali and right-arm leg-break spinner Abrar Ahmed are expected to be included in the 15-member squad.
As it stands, the potential 15-member squad for the World Cup may include Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdulla Shafiq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, and Zaman Khan.
