PCB appoints Shaheen Afridi as T20I and Shan Masood as Test skipper after Babar Azam resigns as captain from all formats following World Cup debacle

The PCB stated that as Pakistan won't be playing ODIs in the near future, they will reveal the format's skipper in due course.

PCB appoints Shaheen Afridi as T20I and Shan Masood as Test skipper after Babar Azam resigns as captain from all formats following World Cup debacle

Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi (Images via ESPNcricinfo)

Moments after Babar Azam announced his resignation from captaincy during the evening of Wednesday (November 15), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement announcing the new T20I and Test skipper. Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side in T20Is, while veteran batter Shan Masood will be the Test captain.

The PCB stated that as Pakistan won’t be playing ODIs in the near future, they will reveal the format’s skipper in due course. The Pakistan board also revealed that Babar was offered the option to continue as skipper for the longest format.

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After consultation with his family, Babar decided to step down and PCB stands behind his decision. PCB respects his decision and continues to support him as a player.
PCB said in a statement.

Which series will be Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood’s first task as T20I and Test captain?

Shah Masood had been in and out of the Test side since making his debut for Pakistan a decade ago. After making his comeback to the side last year against England, Masood scored his first half-century after 17 innings against Sri Lanka in July this year. His first assignment as Test skipper will be the tough away series in Australia. Pakistan are yet to win a Test series Down Under since 1999, losing 14 series, including five whitewashes.

Right after the series, the Men in Green will play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will be Shaheen Afridi’s first assignment as skipper. Shaheen was always speculated to take Babar Azam’s place due to his success as Lahore Qalandar’s skipper. He guided his team to two trophies in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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