NEW DELHI: In the wake of Babar Azam being reappointed as white-ball captain, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their shocking move ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Babar relinquished his role as captain across all formats in November following Pakistan’s early exit from the 50-over World Cup in India. Coincidentally, Babar takes over the captaincy from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who happens to be Afridi’s son-in-law. This decision was made by the newly reorganised seven-member selection committee, which was formed just a week ago.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Afridi bluntly expressed displeasure over the decision, and went on to say that if it was that necessary than wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan should have been the best choice.
“I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary than Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Afridi posted on ‘X’.

Shan Masood replaced Babar as the Test captain after he stepped down, and Shaheen assumed leadership in the T20Is. Shaheen’s tenure as T20I captain saw Pakistan endure a challenging series in New Zealand, where they suffered a 1-4 defeat.
Pakistan will play five T20Is against New Zealand at home, followed by two in Ireland and four in England, before the World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
During his tenure as skipper from 2019, Babar led Pakistan to victory in 42 out of 71 T20Is, with 23 losses and six matches ending in no result. However, he faced criticism for allegedly favouring friends in team selection.