Shadab Khan, the vice-captain of the Pakistan white-ball team, disclosed during a media interaction that skipper Babar Azam is not aware of being rested for the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan. This revelation was made after the 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2023) in Rawalpindi, which Peshawar Zalmi won by 13 runs against Islamabad United.
Recent reports have suggested that the opening duo of Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan may be rested for the three-match series scheduled in Sharjah later this month. As a potential replacement, Shaheen Afridi may be given the responsibility to lead the squad. Moreover, the emerging players Saim Ayub and Ihsanullah, along with Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, may also be given the opportunity to represent Pakistan during the UAE tour.
However, in the latest development, sources have informed Day News that Afridi may not be playing, and Shadab Khan will likely lead the side instead. Upon questioning Babar Azam about these reports, Shadab Khan discovered that the skipper himself had no knowledge of any such decision.
It remains to be seen whether Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan will indeed be rested or whether they will be included in the squad. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this series and are looking forward to seeing some fresh talent on the field.
Sources reported earlier on Sunday that the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Najam Sethi, contacted Shaheen Afridi via telephone and offered him the captaincy for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, which he had reportedly accepted.
During a press conference on Sunday, a journalist asked Shadab Khan about reports that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan would be rested for the series against Afghanistan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi would be appointed as the captain.
Journalist’s Question
In response, Shadab Khan questioned if the journalist himself was also being rested and stated that there was no information about such a decision.
He further added that he had inquired with Babar Azam, and he too was unaware of any such decision. If there was anything of this sort, they would have been informed, but no one had contacted them regarding it.
It is noteworthy that the series against Afghanistan comprises of three T20 matches.
The matches scheduled will be held in Sharjah on March 24, 26, and 27.
