Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his shock over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to reappoint Babar Azam as captain of the national team. On Sunday, PCB reappointed Babar as captain of the white-ball teams. Babar resigned from his position after the ODI World Cup last year. PCB had appointed Shan Masood as Test captain while pacer Shaheen Afridi took over the mantle in the shortest format. However, the board did not appoint a captain for the ODI side.
There have been rumors of Babar’s return in recent weeks and the PCB confirmed the development on Sunday.
In a message, the Pakistan Cricket Board said: “Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain. Following unanimous recommendation from PCB selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball captain (ODI and T20I) of the Pakistani team.” men’s cricket team.”
However, Afridi was not too happy with PCB’s decision to reappoint Babar as captain. While suggesting that wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan would have been a much better alternative, the former all-rounder congratulated Babar on regaining the captaincy role.
“I am surprised by the decision of very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary, Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made, I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Afridi posted on X.
I am surprised by the decision of very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was needed, Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made, I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 31, 2024
With Babar’s return, Shaheen’s captaincy lasted only one series.
Insiders revealed that Shaheen accepted the change and did not protest much, but pointed out that it was unfair to him to be judged on just one series.
According to the source, Shaheen’s inability to effectively manage the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, resulting in their last-place finish, coupled with his own inconsistent performances, were key factors influencing the decision to replace him.
“The PCB chairman had made it clear to the selectors that they had to decide who would be the captain and also said that they would be responsible for the performance of the national team in the future,” the source added.
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