The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allegedly made the decision to replace Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain, following speculations fueled by his underwhelming performance both as a bowler and a leader during the PSL 2024 season. Sources close to the matter reveal that amidst growing frustration among fans over Shaheen’s inability to deliver, the PCB has already devised a plan, although the official announcement is yet to be made public.
The Lahore Qalandars, under Shaheen’s captaincy, endured a dismal PSL 2024 campaign, managing only three points and becoming the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. The team suffered six consecutive losses before a rain-affected match earned them their first point.
They clinched a win in the subsequent match, accumulating a total of three points, but then lost their remaining two matches, ending their PSL 2024 journey on a poor note. This three-point tally marks one of the lowest in a single season by a PSL team, with the worst being two points by the Karachi Kings in PSL 2022.
Shaheen himself struggled to make an impact in the initial matches, failing to pick up wickets consistently. Although he ended the round-robin stage with 14 wickets, his average performance was not up to the mark, conceding over 300 runs. His lackluster performance extended to the T20I series in New Zealand, his first assignment as T20I captain.
PCB to name Mohammad Rizwan as captain
In light of these developments, PCB is reportedly seeking a change in leadership ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. According to reports, Mohammad Rizwan is set to take over the captaincy role. Rizwan, whose Multan Sultans were the first franchise to qualify for the playoffs in PSL 2024, is seen as a potential candidate to lead the team.
Pakistan is scheduled to play their first match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA on June 6. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. It’s worth noting that Shaheen Shah Afridi has previously led the Lahore Qalandars to two PSL titles.
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