Shaheen Shah Afridi leaves training camp in Kakul after losing T20I captaincy

Ace Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi departed the Kakul training camp and returned home, reportedly displeased shortly after being relieved of his captaincy duties. On Friday, April 5, the former captain, Babar Azam, was re-appointed as Pakistan's white-ball skipper, a role he had stepped down from after the 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India. The move came just before the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand this month and the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to commence on June 2nd.

Shaheen, who is celebrating his 24th birthday on April 6, was appointed as Pakistan captain after Babar resigned from the position. However, the fast bowler failed to impress as the T20 captain as he led one series against New Zealand which they lost by 1-4. Notably, there were speculations regarding his removal since the series defeat. 

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaheen departed the camp with permission from the board and not out of frustration. Despite his departure, he is anticipated to attend the dinner hosted by the Pakistan Army Chief on April 8, Monday.

Also read: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir invites Pakistan players for iftar

Shaheen posts cryptic story on Instagram after removal from T20I captaincy

Following his removal from the captaincy, Shaheen Shah Afridi posted a cryptic story on Instagram, seemingly expressing his frustration. Sharing a video accompanied by a message suggesting a warning, the left-arm fast bowler appeared to voice his discontent over the decision. Meanwhile, it was reported that PCB had to convene an emergency meeting with the cricketer to address his resentments.

Also read: 'Don't test my patience' - Shaheen Afridi posts cryptic story after removal from T20I captaincy

“Never ever put me in a position where I have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be. Don't test my patience. Because I might be the kindest and sweetest person you've ever met, but once I reach my limit, you'll see me do the things that no one thought I was capable of doing,” said the person in the video.