TOP STORIES
Shahid Afridi reacts to Babar’s reappointment as white-ball skipper

In the wake of Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to re-appoint Babar Azam as white-ball skipper, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed his surprise over the decision. Babar Azam has been handed back the reins of Pakistan's T20I and ODI teams as he is all set to lead the team at the upcoming T20I World Cup in June.
Babar Azam gave up the captaincy across all formats following Pakistan’s dismal performance at the ODI World Cup last year. Following Babar’s decision, PCB had appointed Shaheen Afridi as T20I skipper.
During his stint as captain, Shaheen Afridi led the team in a solitary assignment in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand where they lost it 1-4. Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi too had refused to back Shaheen as T20I skipper. Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi said Mohammad Rizwan would have been a great choice, however he congratulated Babar Azam.
"I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary than Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam," Afridi posted on X.
Babar Azam’s first task as captain would be the five-match T20I series against New Zealand which will be giving them the platform to fine-tune their T20I World Cup preparations. The series will begin from 18th April.
Tags
More News

Shukri Conrad appointed South Africa’s all-format head coach
Shukri Conrad has been named South Africa men’s all-format head coach, Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated on Friday. Conrad replaces Rob Walter, who stepped down from his position at the end of April citing personal reasons. Conrad will lead the side until the ODI World Cup in 2027.
"Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of ...

IPL 2025 suspended for one week amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
With India-Pakistan tensions escalating, the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL) has been suspended for one week due to security reasons. The decision follows Thursday’s clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, which was called off midway. The match was abandoned after 10.1 overs due to “a significant technica...

“IPL is on as of now”: Chairman Arun Dhumal
Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has said that the IPL is awaiting governments’ directives to determine whether the IPL will continue or not in the wake of ongoing unrest between India and Pakistan. However, Dhumal maintained that the tournament is on as of now.
"We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving si...

Spotlight on Pooran and Pant as LSG face high-flying RCB
On Friday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants are set to face off in a must-win IPL encounter that could determine their chances for the playoffs. RCB are aiming for a seventh consecutive away win, while LSG are hoping for a resurgence in form from their star players, hard-hitter Nicholas Pooran and skipper Rishabh Pan...

Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match moved to Ahmedabad
In a massive development, the scheduled match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians on May 11 has been relocated from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad. The change in venue was prompted due to logistical issues.
"TATA IPL Match No. 61 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally scheduled to be played in Dharamshala on Sunday, May 11, has been rel...