The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its selection committee did not offer the vice-captaincy role to Shaheen Afridi or any other player for the 2024 T20 World Cup. This clarification emerged after rumors circulated that Afridi had turned down the vice-captaincy.
A report from Cricbuzz indicated that there were talks about appointing a vice-captain. However, except for Mohammad Yousuf, the majority of the selection committee members agreed there was no need to appoint a deputy to Babar Azam.
The new coach, Gary Kirsten, has the authority to temporarily assign the vice-captaincy if needed. Earlier this year, Afridi had captained Pakistan in a T20I series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 4-1. Consequently, Babar Azam was reinstated as the T20I captain.
Here’s what the source told Cricbuzz: “The issue of vice-captaincy came up for discussion during Friday’s selection committee meeting but it was agreed there was no need to recommend a vice-captain. Therefore, no vice-captaincy offer was made to any player. This is documented as it is part of the meeting minutes.”
Pakistan Suffers Defeat in Second T20I Against England Ahead of 2024 World Cup
In preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan began their T20I series against England with a loss. After the first match was rained out, the second game took place at Edgbaston on May 25. England lost Phil Salt early, but skipper Jos Buttler and Will Jacks put together a 71-run partnership, scoring quickly.
Buttler scored 84 off 51 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, helping England post a total of 183. Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking three wickets. In response, Pakistan’s openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub struggled, scoring 0 and 2 respectively. However, Babar Azam (32) and Fakhar Zaman (45) performed well and put Pakistan in a strong position.
Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s lower middle order failed to counter England’s bowling, and the team was all out for 160. Reece Topley took three wickets for England. The next two matches in the series will be crucial for both teams as they gear up for the World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, starting next month.
Shaheen Afridi was reportedly upset with the selection committee for removing him from the leadership role after just one series. It remains to be seen if Pakistan will appoint a vice-captain for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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