Shahid Afridi lashes out at PCB amid reports of Shaheen's removal from T20I captaincy

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amid reports of change in captaincy ahead of T20 World Cup 2024. Notably, the PCB brought a change in leadership after their dismal performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 and relieved Babar Azam from captaincy duties in all three formats.

The board appointed Shan Masood as the skipper of the longest format and handed over the leadership duties to Shaheen Afridi in T20Is. However, the fast bowler failed to impress in his debut series as the skipper lost four matches on the trot before finally managing to seal a win in the last game of the series.

Also Read: Reports: Imad Wasim provided with selection assurance until T20 World Cup before retirement reversal

Commenting on captaincy change reports, Afridi, who’s also the father-in-law of Shaheen, stated that the board needs to give him some time to prove himself.

"I think that if you have appointed someone as captain (Shaheen) and given him the responsibility then give him time as well. The biggest problem with our cricket is that our system changes whenever the faces change in the board. Whoever comes thinks whatever he is doing is the best for Pakistan cricket. If you change the captain then either the decision to appoint him was wrong or the decision to change him now is wrong," Afridi was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Afridi comments on Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir's retirement U-turn

Further speaking ahead, the legendary all-rounder commented on the return of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir ahead of the T20 World Cup and stated that the duo will gain peak fitness if they can get through the ongoing training camp.

Also Read: Mohammad Amir dares T20 World Cup dream after retirement U-turn

"But I can tell you that if they can come through this two-week training camp in Kakul they will be supermen," he said.

Notably, a total of 29 players are undergoing an intense fitness camp in Kakul, Abbottabad with the Pakistan army to prepare them for the upcoming packed calendar which includes the T20I series against New Zealand, Ireland and England and the T20 World Cup 2024. The camp will be held from March 26- April 8.