Will Shaheen Afridi lose Green Shirts' captaincy ahead of T20 World Cup?

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Afridi might lose captaincy of the national side's squad ahead of the T20 World Cup slated to commence in June this year, reported a local newspaper.

As per the publication's report, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been advised regarding a change in the Green Shirts' captaincy after the Shaheen-led Lahore Qalandars below-par performance in the ongoing ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9).

"Some believe that 23-year-old Shaheen is too young for this responsibility and needs more maturity. On the other hand, some board members believe that a decision to change leadership close to the World Cup might not be wise as it could negatively impact the team's performance," the report reads.

"The final decision will be made by the chairman," it added.

If Shaheen is removed, it is highly likely that wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan will be appointed for the role. However, former skipper Babar Azam is also among the contenders for the key role.

Babar's Peshawar Zalmi are currently at the top of the points table in PSL 9. Meanwhile, Rizwan's Multan Sultans are in second place.

The lanky pacer, Shaheen, had replaced Azam as T20I captain in November last year. However, the Men in Green have suffered defeat in four out of five matches under Shaheen’s leadership, so far.

It must be noted that under Shaheen’s captaincy, Qalandars have won two consecutive PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 editions.

The 2024 T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1, will feature a 20-team format divided into two stages before the knockout phase, albeit different from the First Round/Super 12 arrangement seen in the 2021 and 2022 editions.

Pakistan and India will play the most anticipated match on June 9 at Eisenhower Park in New York.

England are the defending champions after clinching the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, beating Pakistan in the final.