Good news for Shaheen Shah fans
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In Pakistan cricket, as a significant development, fast bowler Shahin Shah Afridi is likely to be appointed as the vice-captain of the One Day and T20 teams in place of the possibly unfit Shadab Khan.
This decision comes in light of Shadab Khan's recent poor form. The leg-spinner Shadab Khan had to face a decline in his performance; statistics show that he took 6 wickets at an average of 40.83 in 5 matches during the Asia Cup 2023. Shadab Khano inclusion in the playing eleven has been particularly criticized by fans and experts. Captain Babar Azam is facing scrutiny for selecting Shadab Khan as the vice-captain, leading to controversies.
According to a report by "Jang," left-arm fast bowler Shahin Shah Afridi is at the forefront to shoulder the role of vice-captain to manage Shadab Khan's absence. Afridi established a remarkable international record, securing 255 wickets while playing 27 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 52 T20 matches.
His leadership qualities have shone in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he led Lahore Qalandars to consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. With the ICC Cricket World Cup set to begin in India on October 5, 2023, the national team faces multiple challenges on various fronts. Captain Babar Azam has faced intense criticism, especially for his captaincy during crucial matches against India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also concerned about the team's performance and Babar Azam's leadership. PCB Chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf is deeply interested in resolving issues arising from the defeat in the Asia Cup and other internal matters within the board. Despite ongoing debates about retaining or changing the captain, it seems that Babar Azam will continue to lead the team in the upcoming World Cup.
The final decision to retain or replace the captain ultimately rests with the chairman, but it appears that Babar Azam will continue as the captain for the ICC Cricket World Cup.
