‘The PCB must have one captain for all formats…’ – Shahid Afridi’s unusual suggestion for PCB following decision for split captaincy across three formats

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to opt for the strategy of going with a single captain in all three formats. Notably, Shaheen Shah Africa has been named the T20I skipper owing to his successful stint in the PSL, whereas Shan Masood is the red-ball skipper. However, they have yet to announce the ODI skipper for their side.

Following the same, the legendary cricketer believes that there should be a single skipper and no need for a vice-captain to help players understand who is in charge. In addition, the former Pakistan skipper also backs Pakistan director Mohammad Hafeez after his side lost the three matches of the Test series by 0-3 against Australia, whereas they lost five matches of the T20I series by 1-4 against New Zealand.

“The PCB must have one captain for all formats, and there is no need to have a vice-captain. This will give a clear message to all players who are in charge. If you think Muhammad Hafeez is good, then don’t just judge him on one series give him proper time, and the same should apply to the captain as well he should be there for three years,” Shahid Afridi told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

I also don’t think this is the time to make any changes in the format squad: Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi feels that this is not the time to change, as the T20 World Cup 2024 is around the corner and they are looking to win their first title after the 2017 Champions Trophy. Moreover, the 46-year-old cricketer feels PCB needs to back their players to boost them up with high confidence.

“The World T20 Cup is going to be a very tough tournament this year with some very strong teams in the hunt for the title. I also don’t think this is the time to make any changes in the format squad. We just need to continue with the same group of players and give them confidence. But yes I would like to see Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub open the batting in T20s,” he added further.