Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly contemplating relinquishing his role as Pakistan’s T20I captain due to the team’s lackluster showings. The fast-bowling sensation assumed the captaincy in the T20 format after Babar Azam’s resignation following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India in October-November. The decision appears to stem from the team’s unsatisfactory results, prompting Afridi to consider stepping down from his leadership position in the T20 international arena.
The Reason of Shaheen’s Decision:
As per a credible source close to Shaheen, the pace bowler is dismayed by the absence of communication from Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the national selectors concerning future captaincy arrangements. This disappointing outcome appears to have exacerbated Shaheen’s concerns regarding the lack of clarity regarding his role as the team’s captain moving forward.
The Source informed, “ Shaheen is rightly upset as being the national T20 captain he expected that even if the board/selectors wanted to remove him they have the decency to also inform him for the reasons behind this and keep him in the loop about everything.”
According to the source, Shaheen expressed his disappointment at being excluded from discussions held by the PCB chief with the national selectors and Babar Azam this week regarding the T20 World Cup, coach appointments, and captaincy.
He feels that the PCB should have informed him by now if they intend to replace him, as he is even willing to step down voluntarily. Shaheen perceives the lack of inclusion in these crucial discussions as a disregard for his position and a failure to uphold transparency within the team’s leadership dynamics, further exacerbating his disillusionment with the current situation.
The source added, “Shaheen believes that if the Board wants to remove him they should have informed him by now as he is even willing to step down himself. In fact now he has been advised by some of his close ones to do this and step away from all the chaos and confusion being caused by the Board.”
Shaheen’s Captaincy Journey Till Now:
For those unfamiliar, Shaheen was designated as the T20I captain during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as PCB chairman. Pakistan faced a setback with a 4-1 series defeat against New Zealand during his captaincy. This appointment was influenced by his adept leadership demonstrated while guiding the Lahore Qalandars franchise to two titles in the Pakistan Super League. Presently, he is actively engaged in the training camp at Kakul, gearing up for Pakistan’s imminent five-match T20I series against New Zealand on home soil.
Shaheen’s elevation to captaincy was largely attributed to his successful stint with Lahore Qalandars, where his leadership skills garnered recognition. However, despite his achievements in franchise cricket, the recent series loss against New Zealand has raised questions about his effectiveness as the national team’s captain, prompting discussions within the PCB regarding the leadership role ahead of the forthcoming T20 World Cup.
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