Lahore: Shadab Khan, a well-known all-rounder, has expressed his delight at being named as the captain of the national team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in the UAE.
In a brief video posted by the PCB on its social media platforms, Shadab Khan stated that he would do his utmost to utilize his leadership skills and guide the team to triumph in the series.
In addition, the leg-break spinner congratulated the young cricketers who were chosen for the series and encouraged them to remember that representing their country is the greatest honor. Shadab Khan expressed optimism for the series, acknowledging that he will be leading a relatively young team that brings a lot of energy to the field.
As the team’s captain, the 24-year-old cricketer promised to strive for excellence in his first assignment and provide entertaining performances for cricket enthusiasts.
The all-rounder, who hails from Mianwali, further stated that the upcoming white-ball series promises to be thrilling and urged cricket fans to keep him and his team in their thoughts and prayers.
Shadab will be leading the national team in a T20I series against Afghanistan, starting on March 24 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in the absence of Babar Azam.
The squad includes four uncapped players: Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, and Zaman Khan, while Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Imad Wasim have been recalled. Shadab Khan will lead the side, and players such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested.
Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the interim head and batting coach for the series. The selectors have their eyes on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and aim to strategically manage the workload of their elite cricketers to extend their careers. The squad will play in 25 T20Is in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, as well as eight ODIs in the lead-up to the 50-over Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and seven ICC World Test Championship matches.
