The possibility of Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi becoming the captain of the national white ball team is over
The sudden resignation of Babar Azam from the captaincy of Pakistan's white-ball team has left a major leadership vacuum. With his departure, fans and cricket experts alike are wondering who will be the next captain. Despite initial speculations about Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, recent developments suggest that both players are unlikely to take on this role.
Babar Azam's Resignation
Babar Azam, a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, resigned as the captain of all three formats of the game in November last year following Pakistan's underwhelming performance in the World Cup. His resignation has triggered discussions about who will be appointed to lead Pakistan’s white-ball teams, including ODI and T20 formats.
Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi’s Leadership Prospects
There were earlier suggestions that wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi were in the running to replace Babar as the captain of the white-ball team. However, reports indicate that their chances are now slim.
In fact, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken steps to reduce their leadership roles. Shaheen Afridi, who previously led the team in certain matches, was removed from a leadership role before the T20 World Cup held in the United States and the West Indies. Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan was stripped of his position as vice-captain of the Test team earlier this year, and Saud Shakeel was made the deputy in place of Shan Masood.
PCB’s Recent Decisions
The PCB has been reshuffling leadership roles throughout the year. After Babar Azam’s resignation, Shaheen Afridi was briefly appointed as the T20 captain and Shan Masood as the Test captain. However, when it came to appointing an ODI captain, no decision was made immediately.
In March, Babar Azam was reappointed as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball team. His recent decision to step down once again has left the PCB considering alternative leadership options, but Rizwan and Afridi are reportedly no longer strong contenders.
Player Grouping Issues in the National Team
A key factor influencing the PCB’s decision-making is the reported division among players within the team. After Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, there were rumors of groupism among the players, creating three different factions. These internal conflicts have led the PCB to search for a captain who is undisputed and free from such controversies.
PCB’s Search for an Undisputed Leader
Given the complex dynamics within the team, the PCB is reportedly looking for a player whose leadership is undisputed and who is not entangled in any ongoing internal conflicts. This approach could exclude Rizwan and Afridi from consideration as the next captain of the white-ball team.
Conclusion
With Babar Azam stepping down from the captaincy and reports indicating that neither Mohammad Rizwan nor Shaheen Afridi will take up the mantle, the PCB faces a significant challenge in appointing a new leader for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team. As the board seeks to resolve internal conflicts and ensure team unity, the choice of a new captain will be critical to the team’s future success.
