The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering removing all-rounder Shadab Khan from his role as vice-captain of the national side in white-ball cricket. Shadab was appointed vice-captain in 2020, but his recent performance as captain of the Pakistan T20I side which lost to Afghanistan 2-1 in a three-match series in Sharjah has raised concerns.
According to sources, the decision to remove Shadab from the role could be taken before the upcoming limited-overs series between Pakistan and New Zealand. In addition, leg-spinner Usama Mir is being considered as a possible replacement for Shadab Khan in the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series.
The schedule for the series between Pakistan and New Zealand was recently revised due to elections in Punjab. The tour will begin with three T20Is in Lahore, followed by two T20Is and the first ODI in Rawalpindi, before the remaining four ODIs are played in Karachi.
The New Zealand tour is an additional tour by the team and the matches will count towards ICC Team Rankings. The ODIs will help Pakistan prepare their side for the ACC Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, while the T20Is will assist the PCB in rebuilding the side for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the USA and West Indies in June/July 2024.
The decision to potentially replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain underscores the PCB’s commitment to ensuring the national side is competitive and prepared for the upcoming international tournaments. It remains to be seen who will ultimately be appointed as the new vice-captain, but the Pakistan team will need to be at their best if they hope to perform well in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
