Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating replacing Shadab Khan, the current vice-captain of the national team for white-ball cricket. The board is considering appointing a new vice-captain before the limited-overs series against New Zealand. According to sources, leg-spinner Usama Mir is being considered as a possible replacement for Shadab Khan in the squad for the upcoming home series against the Kiwis.
Shadab Khan, a 24-year-old all-rounder, was made the vice-captain in 2020 and led the Men in Green in the recent T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah, where Pakistan lost the series 2-1. The decision to replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain is part of a series of changes that the PCB has made ahead of the upcoming tour.
It is worth noting that the schedule for the series between Pakistan and New Zealand has been revised due to elections in Punjab. The PCB announced on March 20 that tweaks will be made to the New Zealand men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan, with the side arriving in Lahore to play three T20Is from April 14-17. The final two T20Is and the first ODI will be played in Rawalpindi from April 20-26, with the remaining four ODIs taking place in Karachi from April 30 to May 7.
The tour is significant for Pakistan as it provides an opportunity for the team to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, while the T20I series will help the PCB continue their rebuilding process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the USA and West Indies in June/July 2024.
Decision to replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain draws criticism from fans
The decision to replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain has not been well received by netizens, who have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the PCB’s recent decisions. The hashtag #DestroyerNajamSethi is currently trending on Twitter, with many criticizing Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the PCB, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration.
Netizens are not happy with the decision to replace Shadab Khan, arguing that he has been a key player for Pakistan and an integral part of the team’s leadership. They have also criticized the PCB for making frequent changes to the team and questioned the rationale behind the decision to appoint Usama Mir as vice-captain.
The PCB has yet to comment on the criticism, but it is clear that the decision to replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain has caused controversy and divided opinion among cricket fans in Pakistan. With the series against New Zealand fast approaching, the PCB will need to carefully consider the implications of their decision and ensure that the team is well-prepared for the upcoming matches.
Furthermore, netizens are questioning the credentials of Usama Mir, who is being touted as a potential replacement for Shadab Khan. Many believe that he is not experienced enough to take on the role of vice-captain, and that the decision to replace Shadab Khan is nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction by the PCB.
The hashtag #DestroyerNajamSethi is a clear indication of the frustration and anger that netizens are feeling towards the current management of the PCB. Many believe that Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB, is making decisions that are not in the best interests of the team or the fans.
This is not the first time that Najam Sethi has come under fire from netizens. Earlier this year, he was criticized for his handling of the PSL 6 tournament, which was marred by multiple Covid-19 cases and logistical issues. Many fans and players felt that the tournament should have been postponed, but Sethi insisted on going ahead with it, leading to criticism and backlash.
The recent decision to replace Shadab Khan as the vice-captain has only added fuel to the fire, with many fans now calling for Sethi to resign from his position. The hashtag #ResignNajamSethi has also been trending on Twitter.
