Babar Azam Denies Rumors of Rift with Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Babar Azam, dismissed rumors of a rift with former captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressing surprise at the speculation and affirming a strong professional relationship between them.

Responding to a journalist's question, Babar stated, “I get surprised by the rumours I see on social media. Shaheen and I have a great bond. Our target is only to play and win matches for our country. Pakistan is our only priority.”

Shaheen had briefly assumed the role of Pakistan's T20I captain after Babar's removal from all formats following a disappointing performance in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.

However, Shaheen's captaincy tenure was short-lived, lasting only one series, during which Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat to New Zealand. Additionally, Lahore Qalandars, under Shaheen's leadership, finished last in the Pakistan Super League, Season 9.

Following deliberations by the Pakistan Cricket Board chairperson, Mohsin Naqvi, and the appointed selection committee, Babar Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain, leading to the conclusion of Shaheen's captaincy stint.

Pakistan is scheduled to host New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday which would also be Babar’s first match since returning as the skipper. The first three matches are scheduled for Rawalpindi before the tour departs for Lahore.