Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has shown his frustration over his possible removal as Pakistan’s T20I captain. His reaction comes after certain reports have evolved hinting at his sacking ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The young pacer stepped in Babar Azam’s shoes for the shortest format after the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. He began his role as a captain against New Zealand in a five-match series which Pakistan lost by 4-1.
While it could have been forgotten as just a start, Lahore Qalandars’ poor run in PSL 2024 fumed the ashes. The two times PSL champions managed to win only one out of ten league-stage games which raised questions about Shaheen’s captaincy skills.
As many important T20I endeavours are around the corner, the board now under a new chairman, Mr Mohsin Naqvi, is exploring captain options. It does not go well with Shaheen who believes that it has always been like that in Pakistan Cricket.
He was quoted as saying:
“Cricket is a team game of eleven players but unfortunately the captain is blamed and is often demanded to be removed when a team loses, but this is not the right way.”
Notably, Shaheen has not had enough time to prove his leadership. The reported decision came just after Lahore’s PSL 2024 stint, as the board does not want to risk Pakistan’s chances in the T20 World Cup.
Before the World Cup, Pakistan are set to participate in the T20I series against New Zealand and England. For the New Zealand series at home, 29 players are currently taking part in Kakul camp. Upon its conclusion, chairman Naqvi will decide about Shaheen’s future as a skipper.
Although he did not reveal if Shaheen will continue or be sacked, multiple reports hint at his removal, binging a new face in place.
