The anticipation is building as the Pakistan cricket team prepares to reveal its vice-captain for the much-awaited World Cup 2023. All eyes are fixated on the remarkable left-arm speedster, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has emerged as the frontrunner for this prestigious position.
After Pakistan’s somewhat lackluster performances against arch-rivals India and Sri Lanka during the recent Asia Cup 2023, the spotlight has shifted to Captain Babar Azam’s leadership.
Questions have been raised and discussions ignited over Babar Azam’s consistent inclusion of vice-captain Shadab Khan in the playing XI, despite his subpar form. Shadab Khan managed a mere six wickets with an average of 40.83 in five matches during the Asia Cup 2023.
In light of these developments, Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm fast bowling sensation with an impressive record of 255 international wickets, appears poised to assume the role of vice-captain, potentially supplanting Shadab Khan.
Afridi’s leadership skills came to the forefront in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he guided the Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Shaheen Shah Afridi boasts an impressive international resume, having represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 52 T20Is.
Reports suggest that Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, is diligently exploring leadership options.
While Babar Azam is expected to retain his captaincy for the upcoming mega event, the prospects are looking bright for Shaheen Afridi to assume the role of vice-captain.
Meanwhile, Hassan Ali and the promising right-arm leg-spin prodigy, Abrar Ahmed, are likely to secure their spots in the final 15-member squad.
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