ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as the top contender for the role of vice-captain of the national cricket team as the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a change in vice-captaincy under Skipper Babar Azam.
After Pakistan’s lackluster performances against arch-rivals India and Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, questions have arisen regarding skipper Babar Azam’s captaincy during the tournament.
Azam has faced criticism not only for his captaincy but also for his persistent inclusion of vice-captain Shadab Khan in the playing XI, despite Shadab’s poor form.
Vice-captain Shadab Khan has been struggling both with the ball and the bat. Statistics reveal that he took six wickets at an average of 40.83 in five matches during the Asia Cup 2023. Captain Babar Azam’s continuous selection of Shadab Khan has come under scrutiny.
In light of these circumstances, Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who boasts 255 international wickets and has twice secured the prestigious Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy in 2022 and 2023, is poised to assume the role of vice-captain, potentially replacing Shadab Khan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Captaincy of Lahore Qalandars
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership abilities were on full display in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he guided the Lahore Qalandars franchise to consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.
The left-arm pacer has represented Pakistan in 27 tests, 44 one-day internationals (ODIs), and 52 T20Is, amassing 255 international wickets.
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, is exploring the possibility of a change in the team’s leadership.
The final decision regarding any leadership change rests with the PCB management committee chairman, who is unlikely to replace Babar Azam as the team’s captain before the upcoming mega event. However, there is a strong possibility that Shaheen Afridi may step in to replace Shadab Khan as Azam’s deputy.
Earlier reports suggested that the team management, including chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam, are contemplating alterations to the 15-member squad for the mega event.
Sources indicate that given the team’s recent performance, the prospects of Mohammad Haris, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Faheem Asraf making it to the World Cup squad appear bleak.
Meanwhile, Hassan Ali and right-arm leg-break spinner Abrar Ahmed are likely to secure spots in the 15-member squad.
The prospective 15-member squad for Pakistan in the World Cup might shape up as follows: 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, Zaman Khan.
