Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi is at risk of losing the captaincy of the Men in Green with the T20 World Cup in sight as the mega event is set to kick off in June later this year.
As per the report of a local newspaper, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been recommended to mull change in squad's captaincy following the Shaheen-led Lahore Qalandars' dismal performance in the ongoing ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League season (PSL 9) with the franchise ending at the bottom of the points table.
The publication's report, stressing that the final decision lies with the PCB chief, reads: "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."
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.
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