Sources have reported that Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to take over as captain from Babar Azam in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. It has also been stated that Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are expected to be rested for the series. The selectors are likely to consider batters Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, and Azam Khan, along with pacer Ihsanullah for the series. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim are also in the running for selection.

The schedule of the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been revised, with the matches now scheduled to take place a day earlier than previously planned. The series will begin on March 24, with the last two games scheduled for March 26 and 27 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. The Afghanistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Cricket Board have agreed to these changes due to the unavailability of Hawk-Eye technology on the previously agreed-upon dates.

Former Pakistan cricketer Muhammad Yousuf is set to be appointed as the interim head coach of the national men’s team for the series against Afghanistan. This decision has been taken as the Pakistan Cricket Board has been unable to finalize an agreement for the role of head coach with Mickey Arthur. Yousuf was previously serving as the batting coach of the team and has been appointed on a series-to-series basis under the Ramiz Raja-led administration.

Initially, both teams were scheduled to play a three-match ODI series this year, but the format was changed to T20Is after Pakistan and Afghanistan qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The decision was made after a meeting between Sethi and ACB officials. The two boards have agreed to share 50% of the revenue from the series equally and jointly outsource the production.

Revised Schedule:

March 24: 1st T20I, Sharjah

March 26: 2nd T20I, Sharjah

March 27: 3rd T20I, Sharjah