Following the poor start to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s T20I captaincy with the all-important T20 World Cup 2024 over the horizon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering exploring other captaincy options for the format. Shaheen, who replaced Babar Azam in the shortest format, plummeted 4-1 against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series earlier this year. While many let it go as ‘just a beginning jitter’, it did not go well with the rest.
As if it was not enough, Lahore Qalandars’ poor campaign during PSL 2024 under Shaheen caught eyes. The two-time PSL champions could only win one out of ten matches in the league stage. It further raised questions on Afridi’s leadership abilities, specifically, when the much-awaited extravaganza is just around the corner. The PCB reportedly wants to prepare a captain ‘just in time’, who can lead the team valiantly throughout the tournament.
Notably, the Pakistan men’s cricket team will begin their training camp in Kakul on March 25. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman has confirmed that a decision about Shaheen’s captaincy will be taken after the camp. He did not make it clear if the bowler will continue leading or not, however, as the reports indicate, if PCB opts for another candidate, here are the three possible options.
3) Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan, a dynamic all-rounder in Pakistan’s roaster, has been leading Islamabad United for years now. During PSL 2024, the red-hot squad showed their prowess under the youngster and brought a third trophy to United’s cabinet.
Shadab, who also has been deputy to Azam, can be an ideal choice for Pakistan’s T20I captaincy given his prior experience with United. It is pertinent to mention that the all-rounder has also led Pakistan in six T20Is and managed to win two.
2) Mohammad Rizwan
The recently circulating reports indicated that Mohammad Rizwan might replace Shaheen as the T20I captain. Rizwan had a wonderful stint as Multan Sultans’ skipper. His team managed to end the round-robin stage as the table topper.
Not only this, but the Sultans were also the first side to enter the final. However, they could not replicate their performance in the final and stumbled to United. Rizwan, with prior deputy experience, is one of the candidates to replace Shaheen.
1) Babar Azam
While no reports are circulating regarding Babar taking charge of the shortest format once again, he is among the fan favourites to take the helm. Babar has been dearest to the fans not only for his batting but also for his leadership skills.
Babar replaced Sarfaraz as the skipper after the ODI World Cup 2019. He has led Pakistan in 71 T20Is and has a winning % of 64.61.
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