LAHORE – The controversy surrounding Pakistan T20 captain Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy has left him “unhappy” as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, tasked with changing the team’s captain, is “divided” over replacing him as captain.
The sources said that the selection committee members cited various reasons for appointing Shaheen as captain and could not agree on one.
They said that the fast bowler was also contacted by the selection committee on this matter.
The issue, they said, also became a focal point of debate among players currently participating in the Army Fitness Camp in Kakul.
Just a day ago, it was reported that the selection committee had decided to appoint Babar Azam as the T20 captain again for the series against New Zealand.
After Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the 2023 One Day World Cup, Babar Azam had relinquished captaincy in all formats.
Following this, PCB had appointed Shaheen Afridi as the T20 captain and Shan Masood as the Test captain.
However, Babar emerged as the top choice for the prestigious slot after Lahore Qalandars’ poor performance in the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and changes in the PCB setup.
On Thursday, a meeting was held with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and attended by Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, in which members of the selection committee including Muhammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Bilal Asif and Director of International Cricket Osman Wahla participated.
During the discussions, the members of the selection committee presented their recommendations regarding the captaincy of the national cricket team.
The discussions were held regarding possible changes in leadership and coaching staff for the T20 World Cup 2024.
The PCB aims to adopt a unique approach by appointing separate coaches for red and white-ball cricket. Advertisements have been released on the board’s website regarding this matter.
Meanwhile, the consideration is being given to Gary Kirstin for the role of head coach in white-ball cricket, who will lead coaching efforts for the red-ball format. Jason Gillepsie will be heading Red ball as a coach.
