Shaheen Afridi unhappy with removal from T20I captaincy
- Shaheen Afridi was informed about captaincy change.
- PCB is looking to reappoint Babar Azam as T20I skipper.
- Officials came to Kakul to discuss with Babar.
The selectors from Pakistan arrived at Kakul on Saturday with the aim of persuading Babar Azam to take on the T20I captaincy. This followed a late-night meeting between Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selectors at the PCB headquarters on Friday.
For several days, there have been rumors about the removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20I captaincy. However, no official from the PCB or selector had contacted Shaheen about this. This communication gap has now been addressed due to media coverage.
Sources indicate that a selector informed Shaheen about a potential change in captaincy without giving a specific reason when Shaheen asked. It was suggested that a batsman might be more suitable for the captaincy than a bowler. Sources also mention that Shaheen is displeased with the situation, feeling unjustly singled out without any valid reason. He views the loss of captaincy after just one series as unfair.
On the other hand, Babar’s conditions for accepting the T20I captaincy remain the same, causing delays in making a final decision. Babar highly regards his father’s advice, and his opinion on the matter is important.
Some close confidants have cautioned Babar against accepting the T20I captaincy until his conditions are fulfilled, fearing that poor performance in the T20 World Cup could lead to the captaincy being taken away. As a result, Babar is leaning towards a more long-term commitment as captain. He has expressed to the Pakistan Cricket Board his desire to lead in all formats if he is to consider captaining the T20I team. His conditions have been conveyed to the authorities, and a decision is expected soon.
