Islamabad: In a significant development within the Pakistan cricket team, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is being considered as a leading candidate for the position of vice-captain. This potential shake-up in leadership comes on the heels of Pakistan’s underwhelming performance against India and Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup 2023, which has cast doubt on Captain Babar Azam’s leadership abilities.
Challenges to Babar Azam’s Leadership:
Babar Azam has faced criticism not only for his captaincy but also for persistently including vice-captain Shadab Khan in the playing XI, despite Khan’s struggling form in both bowling and batting during the Asia Cup 2023. Shadab Khan managed to secure just six wickets at an average of 40.83 in five matches.
Rise of Shaheen Afridi:
In light of these circumstances, Shaheen Afridi, the left-arm fast bowler celebrated for his 255 international wickets and consecutive Pakistan Super League (PSL) victories in 2022 and 2023 with Lahore Qalandars, is being considered as a potential replacement for Shadab Khan as the team’s vice-captain.
Shaheen Afridi’s Credentials:
Shaheen Afridi has demonstrated leadership qualities in the PSL and boasts an impressive international cricket record, with 27 Test matches, 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 52 T20Is to his name.
Decision Rests with PCB:
The final decision regarding a change in team leadership ultimately rests with Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf. However, it is unlikely that Babar Azam will be replaced as the team’s captain before the upcoming major event. The prevailing sentiment is that Shaheen Afridi may assume the role of vice-captain in place of Shadab Khan.
Squad Adjustments on the Horizon:
Additionally, reports suggest that the team management, including chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam, is contemplating adjustments to the 15-member squad for the upcoming major event.
Changes in the Squad:
Geo indicates that given the team’s recent performance, the prospects of Mohammad Haris, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Faheem Asraf making it to the World Cup squad appear bleak. On the contrary, Hassan Ali and right-arm leg-break spinner Abrar Ahmed are expected to be included in the 15-member squad.
Potential World Cup Squad:
As it stands, the potential 15-member squad for the World Cup may include:
- Babar Azam (c)
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Fakhar Zaman
- Abdulla Shafiq
- Salman Ali Agha
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Hassan Ali
- Zaman Khan
