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Pakistani spinner and vice captain Shadab Khan’s position is reportedly now under threat as he could lose his spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup squad.
Shadab Khan and Babar Azam in action (Image: AP)
Pakistan cricket’s ongoing turmoil has once again hogged all the limelight but only for the wrong reasons. A turbulent Asia Cup campaign saw them crashing out from the Super Fours following a slender defeat against Sri Lanka. All the eyes will be now set to the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup which is scheduled to kickstart on 5th October.
3 things you need to know
- Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the last Asia Cup fixture
- They are scheduled to face New Zealand in a World Cup practice game
- Shadab Khan had a poor Asia Cup campaign
Shadab Khan, to miss out on Pakistan’s World Cup squad?
Following their disappointing performance in the continental tournament some major changes could be inducted ahead of the start of the tournament. In the wake of Shadab Khan’s poor performance, his position is reportedly now under threat. The right-arm leg spinner endured an underwhelming campaign in the recently concluded Asia Cup and as per reports, he could be dropped from the World Cup squad.
Also Read: ‘We don’t really enjoy with Babar’: Shadab Khan makes big statement after Azam’s criticism
There could also be a number of significant changes as Talented leg spinner Abrar Ahmed could enter the fray to replace the Pakistani vice-captain in the upcoming cricketing extravaganza. As per reports, Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq will be meeting PCB chief Zaka Ashraf in order to fine-tune the final details.
Shadab Khan could also lose Pakistan’s vice-captain role
Added to that, Shadab’s recent comment against skipper Babar Azam triggered a storm and action could also be taken in this regard.
“We don’t really enjoy with Babar on the field because he is a different person altogether over there, but we do enjoy with him off the field,” Shadab was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Also Read: Sanju Samson’s first post since another snub by India selectors breaks the internet
The 24-year-old could reportedly be stripped of the vice-captaincy and Shaheen Shah Afridi could take up the new role. Afridi’s leadership credentials for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League could be one of the reasons behind the decision.
Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (traveling reserve).
