Shadab shares cryptic message after Babar's appointment as captain
The 25-year-old all-rounder is considered one of the leaders inside the dressing room
Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan shared a cryptic message on his social media accounts after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Babar Azam as white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shadab and Babar are known to be great friends as the former came into the team just two years after the latter made his debut with the Green Shirts.
However, not more than four hours after the announcement of Babar being white-ball captain, Shadab posted a cryptic message on his social media accounts with the caption: “Cricket se aage jahaan aur bhi hein.” Which means, “There is more to life than cricket.”
Shadab’s choice of picture was surprising too as the Mianwali-born used the photo from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine final where he posed with the Palestine flag after winning the title for the first time as a captain.
While the post could mean nothing more than just taking a stance for the Palestinian people, who have been under Israel's oppression since the Hamas attack on October 7, it could also mean the 25-year-old is putting cricket behind other things in life.
Remember, after the conclusion of the PSL 9 final, the Islamabad players — Hunain Shah, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and others — were seen waving the Palestine flag as they walked around the stadium thanking fans for supporting the team.
Earlier today, it was announced that Azam, 29, will lead the team in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is while Shan Masood will continue as the red-ball skipper.
“Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain,” the PCB posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team.”
Babar met with the chairman of PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, to discuss the plans ahead of the T20 World Cup after which the batter was given the realm of the team.
It is worth mentioning that Babar Azam has so far captained Pakistan in five international tournaments — T20 World Cup 2021 and 2022, Asia Cup 2022 and 2023, and World Cup 2023 — but the Green Shirts have not won any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his leadership.
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