By WEB DESK: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced Babar Azam as new Twenty20 International (T20I) captain for white-ball cricket in the Pakistan Men’s national cricket team.
Amidst ongoing debates surrounding the captaincy of the Pakistan national T20I team, media reports said that the PCB has revealed the rationale behind dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi of his T20I captaincy duties.
The apex cricket authority on Sunday stated that it has revamped the leadership in white-ball cricket “as part of a strategic maneuver aimed at ensuring the welfare of players and optimising their performance.”
While acknowledging Shaheen Afridi’s commendable prowess as a premier fast bowler, the PCB highlighted the significance of rotation and rest to uphold his peak performance, given his pivotal role in leading Pakistan’s pace attack over the years.
“This decision underscores the board’s commitment to safeguarding the longevity of players, particularly fast bowlers, considering their injury history over the past two years,” the statement added.
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According to reports, the board aimed to avoid a repeat of injury crises concerning bowling resources, as witnessed prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, during which Afridi needed close monitoring, and the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, when Naseem Shah was unavailable.
In response to the PCB’s decision, Afridi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to captain the national team, pledging his unwavering support for Azam.
Afridi stated, “It was an absolute honour to captain the Pakistan National Cricket Team. I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam.”
He further added, “I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world.”
Under Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan achieved a historic victory against India in a World Cup encounter during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Additionally, he led the team to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, marking Pakistan’s first appearance in a World Cup final since 2009.
Reflecting on his reinstatement as white-ball captain, Babar Azam remarked, “It was a pleasure to play under Shaheen’s leadership in the recent T20I series. He is still young and is improving as a player and as a leader every day.”
