Shaheen Afridi who led Pakistan in the T20I series during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand 2024 will be returning the captaincy of ODI and T20I formats to Babar Azam.
Shaheen Afridi on Babar Azam’s Return
The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to hand over the captaincy to Babar Azam ahead of the upcoming ICC tournament. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has extended his support to his teammate Babar Azam on his return as captain ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.
Babar Azam stepped down from captaincy in all formats after the side failed to qualify for the knockout stages during ODI World Cup 2023.
“It was an absolute honor to captain the Pakistan National Cricket Team. I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, I must back our captain, Babar Azam,” said Shaheen Afridi.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam said, “It was a pleasure to play under Shaheen’s leadership. 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,” said Babar.
When the Pakistan board revealed their decision to make Babar Azam captain for the T20 format ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup, the batter hesitated to accept captaincy and requested clarifications on their decision.
After discussions, Babar Azam was named as the captain of the white ball format while Shan Masood will be continuing as the test captain.
Pakistan will be playing a five-match T20I series against New Zealand on a home tour a three-match T20I series against Ireland and four T20Is before the Men’s World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
They will be playing their first match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA on June 06 at Grand Prairie Stadium.
