Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is anticipated to be named Shadab Khan’s replacement as the vice-captain of the ODI and T20I teams, which would be a huge development in Pakistan cricket. Concerns have been raised about this choice in light of Shadab Khan’s recent form issues.
Shadab Khan, a leg-spinner, has seen a decline in his effectiveness; data show that in five matches during the Asia Cup 2023, he has taken six wickets at an average of 40.83. Both fans and professionals have criticized his continued presence in the starting eleven. Babar Azam, the squad’s captain, has come under fire for repeatedly picking Shadab Khan for the team.
The Daily Jang reports that left-arm bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is the front-runner to succeed Shadab Khan as vice-captain. With 255 wickets in international cricket and participation in 27 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 52 T20 Internationals, Afridi has a distinguished international resume. His ability to inspire others was demonstrated in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as he guided the Lahore Qalandars team to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
The national squad will encounter difficulties on several fronts as the ICC Cricket World Cup is set to begin on October 5 in India. Babar Azam, the skipper, has come under heavy fire, particularly for his leadership during important Asia Cup matches against India and Sri Lanka.
The performance of the team and Babar Azam’s leadership are other issues that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is worried about. The concerns resulting from the Asia Cup loss as well as other matters inside the board have been vigorously addressed by Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee. Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf is allegedly inclined to keep Babar Azam as the captain for the 2018 World Cup despite discussions about his captaincy.
Babar Azam is set to remain leading the squad into the ICC Cricket World Cup, however, the chairman has the final say on whether to keep or dismiss the captain.
