(Image Source: PCB)
[Saba Sports News] Following their underwhelming performance in the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan is undergoing a leadership transition. Babar Azam relinquished his captaincy across all formats, with Shan Masood taking over in Tests and Shaheen Afridi in T20Is. Afridi’s tenure as T20I captain will commence after Pakistan’s ongoing Test series in Australia.
Shadab Khan, the vice-captain during the World Cup, was speculated to be overlooked for the T20I captaincy due to his form and has also been dropped from the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Among the prominent players in the T20 squad is Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter.
Rizwan’s World Cup performance in India earned praise, particularly from former captain Shahid Afridi. At a Shahid Afridi Foundation event, Afridi expressed his admiration for Rizwan’s dedication and focus. He also humorously remarked about Shaheen, his son-in-law, becoming the T20I captain, suggesting he preferred Rizwan for the role, which lightened the mood in the room.
Shaheen Afridi’s first challenge as Pakistan’s captain will be leading the team in a five-match T20I series in New Zealand, starting January 12. This series is crucial in their preparation for the T20 World Cup later in the year, with matches on January 14, 17, 19, and 21.