Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been appointed as the skipper of the Lahore Qalandars franchise. He will be replacing Sohail Akhtar as the captain of the Qalandars. Akhtar led the Qalandars in the last two seasons.
Giving the captaincy to a man who has been with the Qalandars since 2018 and picked up 50 wickets from 37 games, Sameen Rana, Qalandars owner and manager said, "Shaheen is our asset and has stuck with us through thick and thin.”
"I still remember the day when a young, 18-year-old boy came to Lahore Qalandars for the first time in 2018 and over the years he has developed as one of the finest fast bowlers in the world. I think this is the best time to give him a chance to show his leadership qualities,” Rana was further quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The 21-year-old Afridi was also excited by the opportunity to lead a senior men’s team for the first time in his so far small but eventful cricketing career. "I am very excited and honoured to accept the role as captain. I hope I can give my best as captain. This is a big responsibility and I am happy that they trusted me with this leadership role,” said the left-arm fast bowler who represented Pakistan in 21 Tests, 28 ODIs and 39 T20Is.
“Leading any side is the highest role in cricket and equally a privilege for a cricketer. I am grateful to the Lahore Qalandars management and looking forward to the new season next month,” he added.