Win Projections to be updated soon
Shaheen Afridi was offered the vice-captaincy of the Pakistan T20 side ahead of the World Cup squad announcement but rejected the chance to take up the position. The PCB selection committee wanted to officially name Shaheen as Babar Azam‘s deputy for the 2024 T20 World Cup, only to be rebuffed by the fast bowler. The World Cup squad, named hours before the ICC deadline, did not officially have a vice-captain.
Though Shaheen had moved past the issue of being stripped of the T20 captaincy after one series, a sense of injustice lingers. He has never felt the reasons for his dismissal were adequately explained and, having been unceremoniously removed from one leadership position, he was not keen to accept another.
This development further highlights the challenges in mending the relationship between Shaheen and the PCB, which was strained a few weeks ago. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted in March that Shaheen might be replaced, and once he was, the PCB released a statement containing remarks from Shaheen offering Babar warm words of encouragement. However, it was later revealed that Shaheen never made those statements. When he planned to make this public, Naqvi rushed to Kakul, where the players were undergoing a military training camp. Despite feeling betrayed, an uneasy truce was reached.
Shaheen’s rejection of the vice-captaincy demonstrates how uneasy that truce still is. He remains among the core leadership group of the T20 side but feels he does not need an official role, particularly as it is a demotion from his previous position.
While Shaheen was the first choice, the PCB selection committee also considered other alternatives. Shadab Khan, who has served as vice-captain before, was a leading contender. However, his struggles with the ball and Pakistan’s tendency not to use him in the top order meant his place in the XI was not guaranteed. The possibility of nominating Mohammad Rizwan as Babar’s deputy was also raised but ultimately rejected, as the committee wanted to appoint a younger player to the position.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
