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Shaheen Afridi in danger of losing Pakistan captaincy ahead of T20 World Cup: report

Lahore Qalandars also performed poorly in PSL 9 under Shaheen’s leadership

By Web Desk

March 12, 2024

Shaheen Afridi reacts during a match. - ICC

Shaheen Afridi is in danger of losing captaincy of the Pakistan team ahead of the T20 World Cup this year, according to a local newspaper.

Lahore Qalandars also performed poorly in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, finishing at the bottom of the points table, under Shaheen’s leadership.

According to the report, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has been advised over a change in captaincy.

“Some believe that 23-year-old Shaheen is too young for this responsibility and needs more maturity. On the other hand, some board members believe that a decision to change leadership close to the World Cup might not be wise as it could negatively impact the team's performance,” the report said.

“The final decision will be made by the chairman,” it added.

If Shaheen is removed, it is highly likely that Mohammad Rizwan will be appointed for the role. However, former skipper Babar Azam is among the contenders too.

Azam's Peshawar Zalmi are currently at the top of the points table in PSL 9. Meanwhile, Rizwan's Multan Sultans are in second place.

The lanky pacer, Shaheen, had replaced Azam as T20I captain in November last year. Pakistan has suffered defeat in four out of five matches under Shaheen’s leadership, so far.

Under Shaheen’s captaincy, Lahore Qalandars won the PSL twice in two years in the 2022 and 2023 editions.

The 2024 T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1, will feature a 20-team format divided into two stages before the knockout phase, albeit different from the First Round/Super 12 arrangement seen in the 2021 and 2022 editions.

Pakistan and India will play the most anticipated match on June 9 at Eisenhower Park in New York.

England are the defending champions after clinching the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, beating Pakistan in the final.

Shaheen Afridi

Comments

Umair commented 2 months ago

Shaheen's indulgence in Cricket politics made him exposed as pseudo friendship benifessary. He should focus on his bowling to regain his honour and to adapt dynamic bowling deviations.