Why has PCB removed Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the factors influencing the replacement of Shaheen Shah Afridi as the skipper of the Twenty20 International (T20I) team.
The decision, announced on Sunday, appoints Babar Azam as the new leader of the Pakistan Men’s national cricket team for white-ball cricket.
Why has PCB removed Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain?
Prioritizing Player Well-being and Performance
The PCB’s decision stems from a strategic initiative aimed at prioritizing player well-being and optimizing performance levels.
With a keen focus on managing workload and ensuring adequate rest for players, especially fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, the board seeks to safeguard the long-term prospects of the team.
“This decision aligns with board’s commitment to safeguarding the longevity of the players, especially fast bowlers given their injury timelines in the past two years,” it added.
Recognition of Shaheen Afridi’s Contributions
While acknowledging Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional abilities as a premier fast bowler, the PCB emphasizes the necessity of rotation and rest to mitigate injury risks and sustain performance excellence.
Afridi’s leadership tenure is recognized for its contributions, but the board underscores the imperative of balancing responsibilities to maximize his impact on the field.
Babar Azam: A Proven Leader
Babar Azam’s appointment as the new white-ball captain underscores his proven leadership credentials and remarkable consistency in performance.
Having previously led Pakistan in numerous ODIs and T20Is, Azam’s track record speaks volumes about his ability to inspire and unite the team towards achieving success on the global stage.
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On his reappointment as white ball captain, Babar said: “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.
“As a captain, I have always valued his input and I will keep consulting him for important decisions going forward. We must take advantage of his strategic understanding of the game. Our joint aim is to make this team the best in the world.”
The PCB also expressed gratitude to Shaheen Afridi for his contributions as captain and “looks forward to his success on the field”.
He will be part of Pakistan’s core leadership group.
“We give our unequivocal support to both Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi as they embark on their respective roles, aiming to make Pakistan a top team in the world of cricket,” the PCB said.
A Collaborative Approach
In response to the PCB’s decision, Shaheen Afridi extends his gratitude for the opportunity to captain the Pakistan National Cricket Team and pledges his full support to Babar Azam.
Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Afridi commits to assisting Azam both on and off the field, showcasing unity and solidarity within the team.
Reacting to the PCB’s decision Afridi said: “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.
“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.”
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision
Looking ahead, Babar Azam reaffirms his commitment to consulting Shaheen Afridi for crucial decisions, leveraging his strategic insights to propel the team forward.
The PCB expresses gratitude to Afridi for his leadership contributions and asserts its unwavering support for both captains as they embark on their respective roles, aiming to elevate Pakistan to the summit of world cricket.
