World Cup 2023: Shaheen Afridi likely to be named 'vice-captain' | Bat N Ball

World Cup 2023: Shaheen Afridi likely to be named 'vice-captain' | Bat N Ball

 The Pakistan cricket team is undergoing some significant changes, particularly in the leadership structure before starting the world cup 2023. After the Asia Cup 2023, there has been scrutiny of skipper Babar Azam's captaincy and his decision to persistently include vice-captain Shadab Khan in the playing XI, despite his poor form. This has led to discussions about a potential change in the vice-captaincy as well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, a left-arm fast bowler with an impressive track record both in ODI and T20, is most favorite for the role of vice-captain. Afridi has already shown his leadership qualities in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading the Lahore Qalandars franchise to consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. With 255 international wickets to his name, he is a prominent figure in the Pakistan cricket team recent days.

While the final decision regarding any changes in leadership rests with the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, it's unlikely that Babar Azam will be replaced as the team's captain before the upcoming mega event. However, there is a good chance that Shaheen Afridi might replace Shadab Khan as the vice-captain before the world cup.

Additionally, there have been discussions about potential changes to the 15-member squad for the World Cup quickly before starting. Some players, such as Mohammad Haris, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Faheem Asraf, face uncertain prospects based on the team's recent performance. On the other hand, Hassan Ali and right-arm leg-break spinner Abrar Ahmed are likely to be included in the 15-member squad.

The prospective 15-member squad for the World Cup could include players like Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdulla Shafiq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, and Zaman Khan.

Overall, I am very optimistic about the future of the Pakistan cricket team. The changes that are being made are positive steps in the right direction, and I am confident that the team will be competitive in the upcoming World Cup with full of confident and willing to win as well.