‘For now, I’m ODI captain’: Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam all-format captaincy studies after T20I, Take a look at return initially appeared on Cricket Information. Add Cricket Information as a Most well-liked Supply by clicking right here.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Shaheen Afridi insisted he stays Pakistan’s ODI captain amid Babar Azam hypothesis.
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Studies counsel Babar Azam could possibly be handed the all-format captaincy by the PCB.
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Afridi’s focus is on the 2027 ODI World Cup and constructing squad depth.
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Babar Azam continues to be pushed for an all-format captaincy return
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has delivered a pointed response to the rising hypothesis surrounding his management function. Requested whether or not he would stay in cost for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the quick bowler supplied a measured however telling reply.
The uncertainty has been fuelled by contemporary studies over Pakistan’s management construction, with recommendations that former captain Babar Azam may finally be handed the reins throughout all three codecs. Babar’s current series-levelling Take a look at win over the West Indies has solely strengthened that hypothesis.
Afridi, appointed ODI captain solely final 12 months, has seen his tenure come underneath scrutiny amid Pakistan’s frequent modifications in management. He addressed the matter instantly whereas attending a press convention forward of the Nationwide Champions Cup.
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Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam’s captaincy studies
Afridi was requested whether or not the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed he would proceed as captain by means of the 2027 World Cup. His reply left the door open to interpretation whereas making clear the place issues stand proper now. “For now, I’m the captain,” Afridi replied.
The response got here with a wry smile, acknowledging the fact of Pakistan’s unsettled management image. In response to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has promised Babar the captaincy throughout all codecs, and having already handed him the Take a look at function, the board is now contemplating giving him cost of the ODI aspect as effectively.
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The report claims Babar accepted the Take a look at captaincy on the peace of mind that he may finally grow to be all-format skipper, with two selectors reportedly telling him that robust ends in the West Indies and England Checks would strengthen his case. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has additionally predicted Babar will lead the aspect on the 2027 World Cup.
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Shaheen Afridi shifts focus to 2027 ODI World Cup preparations
Fairly than dwell on the uncertainty, Afridi turned his consideration to the Nationwide Champions Cup, which runs from August 11 to 18 and options Pakistan’s main home gamers. He believes the event may help construct the depth Pakistan will want for the World Cup.
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“At any time when we go to a World Cup, we face a number of accidents. In case there are any accidents earlier than the World Cup, we’ll have already got gamers out there. The event pool will make it simpler for us to search out replacements,” Afridi stated.
The left-arm pacer additionally harassed the significance of letting gamers function of their most popular roles. “This event will give everybody a possibility to play in response to their respective positions,” he stated.
He added that performances within the competitors may instantly form Pakistan’s World Cup planning. “All of the gamers will attempt to put in good performances. As I stated, our focus is on the World Cup. Apart from particular person performances, the performances and health of different gamers will even be assessed,” Afridi stated.
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Why Afridi’s guarded response speaks volumes
There’s a quiet honesty in Afridi’s alternative of phrases that displays the precarious nature of captaincy in Pakistan cricket. A skipper actually safe in his place would merely say sure, and the qualifier “for now” betrays an consciousness that his tenure is much from assured with Babar’s shadow looming over the function.
The broader concern for Pakistan is the instability itself. Afridi has led Lahore Qalandars to 3 PSL titles and was appointed to construct in direction of the World Cup, but the fixed management churn undermines any long-term planning.
If the PCB palms Babar the all-format captaincy, it can mark one more reversal in a cycle that has not often served Pakistan effectively, and Afridi’s guarded response suggests he is aware of precisely how these conditions are likely to unfold.
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