The Pakistan cricket team’s captaincy has been a topic of much debate in recent months. Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam stepped down as captain across all formats. Shaheen Afridi was then appointed to lead the team in the T20I format, but his tenure was short-lived. After a five-match series thrashing (4-1) to New Zealand, Shaheen was removed as captain, with Babar Azam being reinstated.
No appointed vice-captain for T20 WC, but coach Kirsten has all the powers
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied reports that any player was offered the role of vice-captain before the T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement. To avoid favoritism, the PCB and selectors have entrusted Gary Kirsten, the team’s white-ball head coach, with the decision-making power. If Babar Azam leaves the field or misses a match, Kirsten will have the authority to choose a deputy to lead the team.
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“Since so many ifs and buts were involved due to mishandling of the captaincy and vice-captaincy issues by the previous regime six selectors believed that no one should be appointed as deputy to Babar Azam during the World Cup hence there was no point in offering vice-captaincy to anyone for the World Cup,” the source told a local news channel, according to Cricket Pakistan.
Why Rizwan might be the frontrunner over Shaheen & Shadab
In light of this situation, if Pakistan chooses to appoint a vice-captain, Mohammad Rizwan emerges as the frontrunner. While Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan are also possibilities, Rizwan’s experience and success as a captain make him the most suitable candidate. Known for his close friendship with Babar Azam, Rizwan boasts an impressive captaincy record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In his 48 matches as captain for the Multan Sultans franchise, Rizwan has led his team to 32 victories, boasting a win percentage of 66.66 – the highest among all PSL captains.
In case of Shaheen Afridi, however, the left-arm pacer might not accept the role, having scrapped off the captaincy after just one series. Shadab, meanwhile, is himself not guaranteed a spot in the starting XI.
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