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Shaheen To Replace Agha Salman As Vice-Captain? Pakistan Has 3 Reasons To Sack Star Batter

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 5 2024, 7:45 PM

Shaheen could be a solid candidate to replace Salman [Source: @TheRealPCB/X, @Nomancricket29/X]Shaheen could be a solid candidate to replace Salman [Source: @TheRealPCB/X, @Nomancricket29/X]

Pakistan's experienced cricketer Agha Salman sustained his lean patch in T20Is, playing another poor knock in the ongoing series against Zimbabwe. The batting all-rounder came out to bat when his side was reeling at nine for two. However, even after getting a steady start, Agha Salman couldn't convert into an impactful knock, getting run out for a run-a-ball 32. 

Will Agha Salman's Poor Form Lead To His T20I Exit?

Agha Salman was recently appointed as Pakistan's vice-captain in white-ball cricket. However, he hasn't been able to showcase his mettle with the bat, managing only 50 runs at a horrendous average of 10. 

In such a scenario, the upcoming South Africa tour might be Salman's final opportunity to prove himself in the shortest format, as his lean patch could shut the door for him in T20Is. If the batter fails to turn things around, Pakistan might consider sacking him from vice-captaincy, with someone like Shaheen Afridi replacing him as Mohammad Rizwan's deputy. 

Why Is Shaheen Afridi A Better Candidate Than Agha Salman For Vice-Captaincy?

Shaheen Afridi's experience and T20I performance

  • Since making his T20I debut, Shaheen Afridi has been a ruthless force with the ball for Pakistan, scalping 97 wickets in 73 matches at an impressive strike rate of 16.4. 
  • More importantly, the left-arm pacer is a regular face in Pakistan's T20I setup and understands the shortest format's tempo better than Agha Salman, who is barely six T20Is old. 

Shaheen Afridi's PSL Exploits and aggressive mindset

  • Shaheen Afridi was incredible as a captain in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023, leading Lahore Qalandars to the title. Although his team had a disastrous season this year, some of Shaheen's tactics earned massive applause from cricket pundits. 
  • So, given that he has won a title in a tournament as competitive as the PSL, Pakistan must use his strategic acumen and add him to their leadership group. Considering his bold and aggressive gameplay, we reckon Shaheen can be the x-factor in Pakistan's think tank and instil the match-winning mentality that seems missing among the young players. 

Shaheen's Test Snub Might Open The Door For An Additional Responsibility

  • Shaheen Afridi has been excluded from Pakistan's Test squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. However, he still remains their most valuable bowler in the shorter formats. 
  • His Test snub will reduce his workload and might even open the door for his comeback to the leadership group. Although the fast bowler was a failed captain during his brief stint, he undoubtedly deserves a second chance to prove his worth at the highest level.