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Pakistan recently underwent a significant overhaul in its captaincy structure, prompted by Babar Azam stepping down from his leadership role across all formats after the team’s poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Subsequently, Shan Masood assumed the mantle of Test captaincy, while Shaheen Afridi took charge of the T20I side. Given that Pakistan is not slated to play an ODI until November 2024, the appointment of a new ODI captain by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still pending.
Shahid Afridi presents a visionary captaincy plan for all formats
In this context, former skipper Shahid Afridi has emphatically advocated for the PCB to designate a single captain to lead across all three formats of the game. Afridi underscored that there is currently no imperative need for the team to appoint a vice-captain, expressing his belief that the captain should enjoy an unencumbered role in the dressing room. He expects other players to acknowledge that there is only one individual in command.
“The PCB must have one captain for all formats and there is no need to have a vice-captain. This will give a clear message to all players who are in charge,” Afridi was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
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Afridi backs former teammate Mohammad Hafeez
Afridi further endorsed his former teammate, Mohammed Hafeez, despite the challenging initiation of his role as Pakistan’s team director. Under Hafeez’s guidance, Pakistan encountered a formidable challenge, suffering a Test series whitewash at the hands of Australia during their away tour.
“[Mohammad] Hafeez has played a lot of cricket; he should be given more time [as team director]. If someone thinks that everything will change in one series, it is wrong thinking,” the 46-year-old concluded.
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