Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has shared his thoughts after being appointed as the T20I captain of the national team, replacing Babar Azam. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi expressed his honor and thrill at leading the Men in Green in the shortest format of the game.
Afridi said
“I am honoured and thrilled to lead our national T20 cricket team. Thank you to the Pakistan cricket board and fans for their trust and support,” said Shaheen Afridi. He pledged to give his best to uphold team spirit and bring glory to the nation on the cricket field. Afridi emphasized the values of unity, trust, and relentless effort for the team’s success, highlighting that they are not just a team but a brotherhood and a family.
Shaheen Afridi’s first assignment as captain will be the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand scheduled for January. The 23-year-old has already showcased his leadership skills by captaining Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), helping the team secure victory in the 2022 and 2023 editions.
Babar Azam stepped down from the captaincy across all formats, declining the PCB’s offer to retain the Test captaincy. Shan Masood has been named as the new Test captain. Azam, who served as white-ball captain since 2019 and Test skipper since 2020, resigned after the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Shaheen Afridi, known for his prowess as a left-arm fast bowler, has taken 64 wickets in 52 T20Is, making him a key asset to the Pakistani team. His appointment as captain marks a new chapter for Pakistan cricket as they look ahead to future challenges.
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