‘Leadership appointments are management’s decisions’ – Shaheen Afridi on T20I captaincy role

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Shaheen Shah Afridi has spoken on his fresh responsibility concerning Pakistan’s ODI team. The baton of ODI captaincy was recently transferred from Mohammad Rizwan to Shaheen. The particular decision was taken after a meeting between the the selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board and white-ball coach Mike Hesson.

Shaheen opened up on how leading Pakistan is something he takes immense pride in. He also emphasised how his priority as ODI captain is to elevate the team’s gameplay in the format and lead by example.

“It is an honour for me to lead the country. Even as a player, wearing the national colours
is always a matter of pride — but now, as captain, there is an added sense of
responsibility. Our job is to serve Pakistan cricket and fulfil whatever role we’re given. Leadership appointments are the management’s decisions, and we respect that. My focus right now is on improving our One-Day cricket and leading the team from the front,” stated Shaheen, as quoted by Geo News.

Pakistan come into the ODI leg of the all-format series on the back of a drawn two-match Test series and a 2-1 win in the 20-over series. All the matches of the three-match ODI series are scheduled to be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on November 4, 6 and 8.

Shaheen played both Tests against South Africa, returning with match figures of 4/48 and 1/95, respectively. While he did not feature in the second T20I, the left-arm pacer proved expensive in the first (1/45 in 4 overs). He put in a much better performance in the third game with 3/26 in four overs.

The 25-year-old last played an ODI in August this year. This will be Shaheen’s second stint as Pakistan captain. He was snubbed from captaincy after only five T20Is at the helm. Shaheen had replaced Babar Azam following a dismal run in the 2023 World Cup.

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