Reports: Shaheen Shah Afridi to step down as Pakistan’s T20I skipper
Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly considering stepping down as Pakistan’s T20I captain following the team’s poor performances. The ace speedster was appointed as T20I skipper after Babar Azam’s resignation post the disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India in October-November.
According to a reliable source close to Shaheen, the fast bowler is disappointed by the lack of communication from Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, and the national selectors regarding future captaincy plans. Notably, after he took over the leadership role, Pakistan suffered a 4-1 series defeat against New Zealand.
“Shaheen is rightly upset as being the national T20 captain he expected that even if the board/selectors wanted to remove him they have the decency to also inform him of the reasons behind this and keep him in the loop about everything,” the source said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The source continued by saying that he expressed disappointment at not being included in discussions held by the PCB chief with the national selectors and Babar Azam this week regarding the T20 World Cup, coach appointments, and captaincy. He added that the 23-year-old feels that if PCB intends to replace him, they should have informed him by now as he is even open to stepping down voluntarily.
“Shaheen believes that if the Board wants to remove him they should have informed him by now as he is even willing to step down himself. In fact now he has been advised by some of his close ones to do this and step away from all the chaos and confusion being caused by the Board,” the source added.
For the unversed, Shaheen was appointed as the T20I captain during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as PCB chairman. This decision stemmed from his leadership skills while leading the Lahore Qalandars franchise to two titles in the Pakistan Super League. He is currently taking part in the training camp in Kakul in preparation for Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home.
