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'Hoping Shaheen Does The Same For Pakistan' - Fakhar Zaman On Afridi's T20I Captaincy Debut

image-lqw9i5blShaheen Afridi (x.com)

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has set some high expectations from newly-appointed T20I national skipper Shaheen Afridi.

Afridi was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain after Babar Azam stepped down from his all-format leadership role following the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup in India. Currently in Australia for the three-match Test series, he will soon be making his captaincy debut through the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand.


Fakhar Zaman expects Shaheen to replicate PSL success

Shaheen Afridi was appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain after Babar Azam’s exit off the back of his splendid record for Lahore Qalandars in PSL. The speedster led the Qalandars franchise to successive title wins in 2022 and 2023, thus prompting a leadership change in the national setup.

Pakistan opener batsman Fakhar Zaman recently stated that he is hoping for Shaheen to replicate his PSL success for the national side in his upcoming ventures. Fakhar also praised the fast bowler for his “fearless attitude” as a captain. While speaking with Cricket Pakistan, he said:

“Our prayers and hopes are that the mindset he has brought to Lahore Qalandars for the past two years, he does the same for Pakistan. He takes everyone along with him, and his fearless attitude as a captain, are qualities that one should look for in a leader.”

After Pakistan’s ongoing Test series in Australia, a number of ‘Men in Green’ players will be departing for New Zealand for a five-match T20I challenge. The series will commence with the opening T20I at Auckland’s Eden Park, and the fixtures serve as a testing ground for both sides in lieu of this year’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-player squad for the same last month. 


Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour: 

Shaheen Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan.