Shaheen Afridi, the star fast bowler of Pakistan’s cricket team, declined an offer to be the vice-captain of the T20 side ahead of the squad announcement for the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee proposed making Shaheen the official deputy to captain Babar Azam for the upcoming tournament. However, Shaheen opted out of the role, leading to the announcement of the World Cup squad without an officially designated vice-captain.
Shaheen’s decision is rooted in lingering dissatisfaction from his previous experience with leadership in the T20 side. After being stripped of the T20 captaincy following just one series, Shaheen felt the reasons for his removal were never properly communicated to him. This sense of injustice influenced his reluctance to assume another leadership position so soon.
The PCB-Shaheen relationship has been under strain since the leadership reshuffle. In March, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted that Shaheen might be replaced as T20 captain. Following his dismissal, the PCB released a statement with comments attributed to Shaheen offering support to Babar. However, it was later revealed that Shaheen never made those statements. This prompted Naqvi to visit the players at a military training camp in Kakul to address the issue, resulting in an uneasy truce.
Shaheen’s refusal to accept the vice-captaincy highlights the fragility of this truce. Despite being a key figure in the T20 side’s leadership group, Shaheen felt the official title was unnecessary, especially as it represented a demotion from his previous role.
The PCB selection committee considered other candidates for the vice-captaincy. Shadab Khan, who has previously served in the role, was a leading contender. However, his inconsistent performance with the ball and limited use with the bat made his position in the playing XI uncertain. Mohammad Rizwan was also considered but ultimately rejected, with the committee preferring to appoint a younger player.
In the end, the selection committee, during their meeting to finalize the squad, decided not to appoint anyone as vice-captain. Six out of the seven committee members supported this move, emphasizing unity within the team.
“During Friday’s selection committee meeting, discussions on the vice-captaincy took place,” the PCB said in a statement. “However, it was unanimously decided not to appoint anyone. As such, no offer was made to any player. The side is fully united, committed and keenly looking forward to the upcoming matches in the UK and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.”
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