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If the rumors are to be believed, Pakistani superstar bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is considering stepping down from his role as Pakistan's T20I captain. As per a report by PTI, citing a source close to Afridi, mentioned that the ace bowler isn't happy with the lack of communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqui and national selectors regarding future leadership plans and appointment of coaches. Moreover, there's speculation that the PCB might be planning to replace Afridi with Babar Azam as captain, especially with the T20 World Cup 2024 just a few months away. Notably, T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to start from June 2 and the arch-rivals India and Pakistan will take on each other on June 9. This potential shift in leadership comes amid preparations for the showpiece tournament, underscoring the critical timing of these discussions within the team and board.
Reports are doing rounds that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offered Babar Azam the captaincy again, but the star batter is yet to make his decision. Being removed from all formats after a disappointing ODI World Cup 2023 campaign was tough for Babar. Reports are rife that he's willing to return as captain, but only if he gets to lead in all three formats (Test, ODI, and T20I).
Shaheen Afridi upset with PCB
"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," the source told PTI.
Reports say Shaheen is unhappy that he wasn't informed about meetings about the T20 World Cup. The current PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met with selectors and Babar Azam this week to discuss the tournament.
"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," the source further added.
Following Pakistan's exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup under Zaka Ashraf's leadership as PCB chairman, Shaheen was appointed T20I captain. This decision was influenced by his success in leading the Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back PSL titles. However, Shaheen's tenure as captain began with a disappointing 1-4 series defeat in New Zealand. He also failed to replicate his PSL heroics, as the Qalandars finished last in the most recent season.
Shaheen is reportedly planning a meeting with senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Fakhar Zaman to discuss the captaincy situation. After this, he'll make a final decision about his future as Pakistan's T20I captain. With the next T20I series against New Zealand starting on April 18, all eyes will be on Shaheen to see if he steps down before it.
"Some members of the selection committee now feel the best thing is to let Shaheen Shah Afridi continue as captain for the home T20 series against New Zealand in April and give him a chance to prove his credentials," the source concluded.
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