Prior to the T20 World Cup 2024, Shaheen Afidi, the standout pacer for Pakistan, declined an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to be the Green Shirts’ vice captain.
The left-arm pacer has turned down the selection committee’s offer, according to people close to him.
Shaheen’s rejection follows the board’s decision to reinstall Babar as white-ball captain in March, following the newly established selection committee’s proposal to replace Shaheen.
Shaheen was named white-ball captain by the PCB, led by Zaka Ashraf, after the team’s crushing defeat at the 2023 ICC World Cup.
Now that the fast bowler has declined to take on the squad’s vice-captain role, wicketkeeper-battler Mohammad Rizwan is a serious contender.
Shadab Khan, an all-rounder, is also vying for the position.
Pakistan has revealed its team for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will take place in the United States and the West Indies starting on June 1.
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
“With a blend of youth and experience, this side is incredibly skilled and well-balanced. The PCB stated in a news statement that these players, who have been playing together for some time, are well-prepared and at comfortable for the event next month.
“Haris Rauf is bowling well in the nets and is totally fit. While it would have been wonderful if he had received a game at Headingley, we are still optimistic that he will keep improving in the next games, as he and the other strike bowlers will be crucial to the success of the T20 World Cup.”
Pakistan, India, Ireland, Canada, and the United States are all in Group A of the competition.
Pakistan’s schedule for the 2024 T20 World Cup
June 6 — Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
June 9 — Pakistan vs India, New York
June 11 — Pakistan vs Canada, New York
June 16 — Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill
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