Shaheen Afridi’s decision to decline the offer to become vice-captain for the Pakistan cricket team indicates a shift in the team’s leadership dynamics. This move follows the reinstatement of Babar Azam as T20 captain earlier this year replacing Shaheen as recommended by the newly formed selection committee.
The PCB had appointed Shaheen as the white-ball captain after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. However with Babar Azam’s return as captain Shaheen’s role in the team’s leadership hierarchy has evidently changed.
With Shaheen’s refusal, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan emerges as a strong contender for the vice-captaincy position. Additionally all-rounder Shadab Khan is also being considered for the role.
As Pakistan prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, which commences on June 1 and spans across the United States and West Indies, the team’s leadership structure seems to be undergoing significant adjustments in anticipation of the upcoming tournament.