The cricket fraternity has been abuzz with the latest developments in Pakistan Cricket, as Shaheen Afridi, the young pace sensation, was recently relieved from his duties as the captain of Pakistan’s T20I team. Shaheen Afridi, who had the opportunity to lead in only one series, managed to secure a single victory in five matches before the leadership baton was once again passed to Babar Azam. Azam, who had previously stepped down following the ODI World Cup last year, has returned as the skipper. News of Afridi’s removal was met with mixed reactions, with some reports suggesting the bowler’s discontent with the decision.
However, in a press conference, Wahab Riaz, the esteemed member of the selection committee, elucidated upon the underlying motives for the alteration in captaincy. Riaz underscored the priority of Shaheen Afridi’s wellbeing, emphasizing the strategic choice to alleviate the fast bowler from the added pressures of captaincy.
“Shaheen Afridi was removed as captain because of workload management, and we wanted him to play with freedom without any captaincy pressure. Even Babar Azam can sit out as part of rotation policy. We have still not decided about the vice-captain for the T20 team,” Wahab Riaz articulated, highlighting the committee’s concern for Shaheen’s rigorous all-format schedule and a notable injury proneness.
Parallel to these developments, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the lineup for the upcoming exciting five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which kicks off on April 18. The selection committee raised eyebrows as they refrained from naming a vice-captain. Notably, the squad includes two maiden call-ups: Usman Khan, previously a player for the UAE until his recent allegiance switch to Pakistan prompted a five-year ban from the Emirates Cricket Board, and Muhammad Irfan Khan.
“Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand. This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself,” expressed an elated Usman on his selection.
The squad’s announcement was doubly significant as it marked the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who rescinded their retirements to don the national colors for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir, in particular, is set to make his much-anticipated international comeback after a hiatus of four years, with his prior appearance being in 2020.
As Pakistan prepares for the World Cup, the bowling arsenal appears formidable, with Amir, Shaheen, Naseem Shah at the helm, and with the expected addition of a fully fit Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s attack promises to be a spectacle.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
This latest chapter of Pakistan cricket not only reflects the nation’s proactive approach to player management but also shines a light on the depth and burgeoning talent that Pakistan cricket continues to cultivate. The reintegration of seasoned players and the blooding of emerging talent under a reappointed and experienced captain is poised to set the stage for an engrossing series against New Zealand and a competitive World Cup campaign.
