Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that all-rounder Shahid Afridi is going to lead the national team in the shortest format of the game—Twenty20.
The expected announcement was made a short while ago through a press release that included the confirmation that Misbahul Haq will continue to lead the team in the longer formats—Test and ODI cricket.
“In line with my policy of taking decisions democratically I consulted Cricket Committee and my Board members before announcing these decisions. I wish both Afridi and Misbah very good luck in their upcoming assignments,” the PCB chairperson Shaharyar Khan stated through the media release.
Pakistan has two full-fledged series to play before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next February. The national team will host Australia for a two Test, three ODI and a solitary T20 series.
The series would be followed by three Test, five ODI and two T20 match series against New Zealand also set to be hosted in the UAE.
Meanwhile, this is the second stint at the helm of the T20 format for Afridi. The belligerent all-rounder captained the team in the World T20 staged in the West Indies in 2010.
So far he has led the team in 19 matches in the shortest format and his last assignment was the 2011 T20 against the West Indies in 2011.
His stint started shortly after Pakistan won the WorldT20 under the captaincy of Younus Khan in England in June 2009.
In the 19 games at the helm Afridi had mixed results, winning eight and losing 11 matches. Pakistan made it to the semi-finals of the 2010 world championship but were knocked out after a sensational assault from Michael Hussey in a game that seemed in control of the then defending champions.
His latest tenure starts with the Australian T20 set to take place on October 5 in Dubai.
“We need to be positive and brave in international cricket; it is all about handling the pressure” Afridi told reporters in Karachi shortly after the PCB announcement.
Afridi also thanked the cricket board for reposing confidence in his abilities once again and vowed to lead the team positively.
The announcement by the PCB has put to rest speculation in the media that a young captain with an eye on the future was the approach that the board was following.
Batsmen Sohaib Maqsood, Ahmed Shehzad and Fawad Alam were in the fray to lead the team. Shehzad who was widely tipped by many as the favourite among the trio had the decision makers turn away from him after his unsavoury exchange with Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan.
COMMENTS (21)
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This decision by PCB makes no sense. It's a misconception that Afridi is a good T20 captian. In T20 Afridi as a captain has a losing record of 11 losses and only 8 wins, or 42% win rate. Compared to that, and against all complaints from misinformed fans, Misbah has a 75% win rate as T20 captain - a huge difference. Even on a personal basis Afridi only scores 19 runs on average compared to 37 average of Misbah. Misbah should at least be in the team, and a young player should have been chosen as captain.
Looking for long lost glory day's.wouldn't come back with old hands from PCB chairman to captains old people. Once upon a time ( long long ago in another age in another century) we used to introduce very young talented players into world of cricket.. Now we recycle old hands, doubt there is such a lack of talent. Perhaps same old tendency to cling to past and it's long lost glory. Youth is not being well served.
A very poor and a very sad choice by PCB. Not only is Afridi reckless and immature, neither of qualities you want in a captain, but also has a poor record in previous stint as captain. Have a losing record as captain flies in the face of those who claim Afridi is a "positive" and "aggressive" captain. This was a perfect opportunity to groom a young player as captain. An opportunity lost due to lack of foresight by PCB.
Like Squash and Hockey where Pakistan once ruled and no other team cares about, Cricket has now been on a decline as well. It does not take a genius to figure out why.
No dear he is not liar, I think we should not behave like this with out cricket hero. Don't forget his efforts when he made Pakistan won many times. All together I will say he is a great cricketer.
Yes, Afridi is reckless and yes he is irresponsible but for those who are commenting against him - if you can do PCB's job better than them, then please suggest a suitable alternative!
A youngster should have been groomed for a bigger role in the future.
It is a good decision by PCB to make Afridi T20 captain. He is experienced and can mentor Pakistan team for few years. Green shirts need his fearless approach. A young player should be appointed vice captain to be groomed for future leadership.
Players power prevails, again. Decision (to bring back Afridi as T20 captain) definitely does not augur well for future ! "Old wine in new bottle" approach continue to destroy the sports (cricket) in Pakistan.
I think Shahid Afridi is the right choice at the moment. At the same time, it is simply important to identify couple of players who could be made captain once S.Afridi retires. The management needs to identify players who have the potential to lead in the future, and the grooming needs to start now.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
A cheater, a liar, a selfish and irresponsible player is once again in charge of Pakistan. What's worse is people are happy to have him as the captain because he can hit a few 6s. Silly PCB and its silly decisions.
They always take the safer way which is seniority not ability to lead. Afridi lacks the mental maturity a leader needs. There may be better leaders but the Board needs some one to blame and this is their choice, not very intelligent.
they have won all the pathan votes.
@Kawesh: Najam sethi is part of the executive committee which is on top of Chairman.
same trail and tested players.
Boom boom is a spent cartridge, way past his time! Can't bat, can't bowl, barely field. Period.
Wise decision. He is an aggressive caption and Pak seriously need someone like him to take them out from the shell. Aggression coupled with fighting ability are the two reason i support the move
Bad bad decision. He is an arrogant man. Does not belong as captain.
One step forward and two steps backward.
So we are getting benefits of Najam Sethi's "Exit"!!!