In the ever-evolving landscape of Pakistan cricket, the tenure of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi as the T20 international captain is shrouded in doubt after recent comments from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. Afridi, who assumed captaincy in November 2023, finds his role under scrutiny as the PCB contemplates the team’s future direction.
PCB’s chief, Naqvi, while addressing the media on Sunday, expressed uncertainty about Shaheen Afridi’s position as the long-term captain of the T20 side. “Even I don’t know who the captain will be. Whether Shaheen continues or a new captain comes in will be determined after the fitness camp,” said Naqvi, highlighting that the decision would take into account various technical aspects which he chose not to disclose at the moment.
Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy debut came after the previous skipper, Babar Azam, decided to step aside from the leadership role in all formats of the game. Afridi’s leadership was tested in just one international series thus far, where Pakistan succumbed to a 1-4 series defeat against New Zealand.
Compounding the pressures on Afridi’s candidacy for captaincy is his performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As the captain of Lahore Qalandars, Afridi’s team experienced an abysmal run, clinching just one win out of ten matches, which ultimately resulted in the team languishing at the bottom of the points table. The dismal campaign of the two-time defending champions did little to make a positive case for Afridi’s strategic leadership in the high-stakes arena of T20 cricket.
In addition to deliberating the captaincy, notable structural changes are afoot within the operations of Pakistan’s cricket administration. The PCB has recently decided to remove the role of the chairman of selectors, instituting a system where each committee member has equal say in the decision-making process. “They will make a majority decision based on debate and argument to reach satisfactory conclusions,” Naqvi elaborated, stressing the importance of a democratic and merit-based approach to player selection.
In another significant move, PCB has reinstated the central contract of pacer Haris Rauf, who had earlier faced a termination due to a misunderstanding. “I received a letter from Haris Rauf who made his case very nicely. There was a misunderstanding, and an incorrect decision was taken,” Naqvi acknowledged. Emphasizing the importance of supporting star players, he assured that Rauf’s treatment for injury would be facilitated, as PCB intends to have insurance cover for their players.
The central contract restoration and the debate surrounding the captaincy represent a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s cricket establishment. These developments come in the wake of attempts to foster a new culture of support and sustainability for its cricketers while seeking consistency and stability in leadership roles. The board’s future decisions may well dictate the trajectory of Pakistan’s international T20 cricket performance.
With an air of anticipation following the chief’s announcements, cricket fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the outcomes of the fitness camp and subsequent decisions by the PCB. The clarification on Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy and the impact of PCB’s strategic shifts are expected to set the tone for Pakistan’s forthcoming engagements on the cricket field. As the nation’s cricketing saga unfolds, the emphasis remains on building a robust foundation for enduring success, potentially under a new or reconfirmed leader of the T20 team.
