Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi is at threat of losing the captaincy of the Men in Green with the T20 World Cup in sight as the mega event is set to start off in June latterly this time.
As per the report of an original review, Pakistan Cricket Board( PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been recommended to pound change in the team’s captaincy following the Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars’ dismal performance in the ongoing ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League season( PSL 9) with the ballot ending at the bottom of the points table.
The publication’s report, stressing that the final decision lies with the PCB chief, reads” Some believe that 23- years-old Shaheen Afridi is too youthful for this responsibility and needs further maturity. On the other hand, some board members believe that a decision to change leadership close to the World Cup might not be wise as it could negatively impact the platoon’s performance.”
Still, it’s largely likely that wicket keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan will be appointed for the part If Shaheen is removed. still, former commander Babar Azam is also among the contenders for the crucial part.
Babar’s Peshawar Zalmi is presently at the top of the points table in PSL 9. Meanwhile, Rizwan’s Multan Sultans are in an alternate place.
The rangy leader, Shaheen, had replaced Azam as T20I captain in November last time. still, the Men in Green have suffered defeat in four out of five matches under Shaheen’s leadership, so far.
It must be noted that under Shaheen’s captaincy, Qalandars have won two successive PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 editions.
The 2024 T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1, will feature a 20-platoon format divided into two stages before the knockout phase, albeit different from the First Round/ Super 12 arrangement seen in the 2021 and 2022 editions.
Pakistan and India will play the most awaited match on June 9 at Eisenhower Park in New York.
England are the defending titleholders after deciding the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, beating Pakistan in the final.