The question of who will be the vice-captain of the Pakistan cricket team has been a hot topic on social media, especially after reports suggested that Shaheen Afridi declined the offer.
However, new reports indicate that Pakistan’s head coach, Gary Kirsten has been given full authority to decide on the vice-captaincy if necessary.
This decision comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors overwhelmingly voted against appointing a vice-captain. Despite the rumours about Shaheen Afridi being offered the position, sources confirmed that no official offer was extended.
Why PCB did not announce a vice-captain?
Six out of seven selectors opposed the idea, effectively shelving plans to appoint a deputy to current captain Babar Azam. This move is attributed to past mishandling of leadership roles by the previous regime, which created a complex situation.
A source told a local news channel, “Due to the mishandling of the captaincy and vice-captaincy issues by the previous regime, six selectors believed that no one should be appointed as deputy to Babar Azam during the World Cup.”
The issue was complicated by a controversial decision by the interim PCB Management Committee under Zaka Ashraf. They asked Babar Azam to resign from the captaincy and replaced him with Shaheen Afridi in white-ball cricket.
This move, made without a proper mandate, exacerbated the leadership dilemma and sparked competition for various leadership roles within the team.
“That one wrong decision of shuffling with the captaincy complicated the issue and brought to the fore so many contenders creating an unnecessary race for different positions. A good majority of selectors for this very reason voted against appointing a deputy to Babar Azam during the World Cup,” the source explained.
Who could be the vice-captain, if required?
Potential candidates for the vice-captaincy included Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, the selectors decided that leaving the position vacant was the best option.
Due to the complications, the responsibility for appointing a vice-captain, if required, now rests with Gary Kirsten and the team management.
“If ever Babar leaves the field or is forced to skip a match, Gary will have the powers to decide on Babar’s deputy to marshal the field,” the source concluded.
The above-mentioned names could step in as captain, if the need arises during the ongoing England series or the upcoming T20 Woorld Cup.
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