Before T20 World Cup, would Shaheen Afridi lose captaincy?
A local tabloid suggested that Pakistan’s standout pacer Shaheen Afridi may lose captaincy before the T20 World Cup in June.
The publication reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been recommended to remove the Green Shirts’ captaincy after the Shaheen-led Lahore Qalandars’ poor performance in the ninth Pakistan Super League.”Some say 23-year-old Shaheen is too young for this role and requires maturity. The report states that some board members feel changing leadership close to the World Cup could hurt the team’s performance.
“The final decision will be made by the chairman,” noted.
If Shaheen is dismissed, wicket-keeper hitter Mohammad Rizwan will likely replace him. The major role is also being considered by former captain Babar Azam.
In PSL 9, Babar’s Peshawar Zalmi lead the points table. Rizwan’s Multan Sultans are second.
The lanky pacer Shaheen replaced Azam as T20I skipper in November. The Men in Green have lost four of five matches under Shaheen.
Shaheen has led Qalandars to two consecutive PSL victories in 2022 and 2023.
The 2024 T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1, will feature 20 teams in two stages before the elimination round, unlike the 2021 and 2022 editions’ First Round/Super 12.
Pakistan and India will play the most awaited match at Eisenhower Park in New York on June 9.
England defeated Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup final in Australia to win the title.
