Pakistan’s recently named T20I captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed his commitment to upholding the team’s strong spirit on Thursday.
In a message on X (formerly known as Twitter), Afridi stated, “I am immensely honored and excited to lead our national T20 cricket squad. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the passionate fans for their unwavering trust and support.”
Emphasizing the significance of unity within the team, Afridi declared, “Our path to success lies in unwavering unity, unwavering trust, and unyielding effort. We are not merely a team; we are a brotherhood, a family. Together, we will rise!”
Outgoing captain reflects on his tenure
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan national team batsman Babar Azam stepped down as the captain in all formats following the team’s disappointing performance at the World Cup.
Taking to X, Azam recounted, “I vividly recall the moment when I received the call from the PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019.”
“Throughout the past four years, I have faced numerous challenges and triumphs both on and off the field,” he added. “With unwavering dedication and passion, I have strived to uphold Pakistan’s pride and standing in the cricketing world.”
Azam acknowledged, “Reaching the top spot in the white-ball format was a testament to the collective efforts of the players, coaches, and management. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support throughout this journey.”
“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. This decision was not easy, but I believe it is the right time for this change,” he concluded.
