Pakistan star Shaheen Afridi may quit T20I captaincy: Reports

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Pakistan cricket is currently facing internal challenges as Shaheen Afridi, the T20I captain of Pakistan, is considering stepping down from his position, according to reports.

This development comes after a series of events that left Afridi feeling sidelined by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Recent discussions between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, national selectors, and former captain Babar Azam about the T20 World Cup, coaching appointments, and captaincy did not include Afridi, sparking his disappointment.

Reports suggest that Afridi is particularly upset with not being consulted about plans and potential changes in leadership.

"Shaheen is rightly upset as being the national T20 captain he expected that even if the board/selectors wanted to remove him they have the decency to also inform him for the reasons behind this and keep him in the loop about everything," a source was quoted as saying by PTI.

"Shaheen believes that if the Board wants to remove him they should have informed him by now as he is even willing to step down himself. In fact now he has been advised by some of his close ones to do this and step away from all the chaos and confusion being caused by the Board," the source added.

Afridi's leadership was initially recognized following his success with the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, leading them to two consecutive titles. His appointment as T20 captain post the 2023 ODI World Cup was seen as a move based on his potential to replicate his PSL success on the international stage.

However, the recent challenges have prompted Afridi to reassess his role within the team. Lahore Qalandars finished at the bottom of the PSL this year while Pakistan had a dismal outing in recent T20I series against New Zealand.

The cricketer is currently participating in a training camp in Kakul, under the guidance of Army trainers. It is understood that the decision on his captaincy may come soon and then we can get a clearer picture on this saga.