Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed shock over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the captain of the national team. The PCB on Sunday reappointed Babar as the white-ball captain. Babar resigned from his post after last year’s ODI World Cup. PCB named Shan Masood as Test captain with pacer Shaheen Afridi taking over in the shortest format. However, the board did not appoint the captain of the ODI team.

Rumors of Babar’s return have been rife for the past few weeks and the PCB confirmed the development on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board wrote in a post: “Babar Azam has been appointed as the white-ball captain. On the unanimous recommendation of the PCB selection committee, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan Cricket Board.” (ODI and T20I) Captain Men’s Cricket Team.”

However, Afridi is not too happy with the PCB’s decision to reappoint Babar as captain. While he felt that wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan would have been a better option, the former all-rounder congratulated Babar on his return to the captaincy.

“I am surprised by the decision of the experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if changes are necessary, then Rizwan is the best choice! But now that the decision has been taken, I express my gratitude to the Pakistan team Full support and best wishes to Babar Azam,” Afridi posted on X.

I was surprised by the decision of the experienced cricketers on the selection committee. I still believe that if a change is needed, Rizwan is the best choice! But now that the decision has been made, I extend my full support and best wishes to Team Pakistan and Team Babar…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 31, 2024

With Babar’s return, Shaheen’s captaincy lasted just one series.

Insiders revealed that Shaheen accepted the change without much protest, but noted that it would be unfair for him to be judged on just one show.

According to sources, Shaheen was unable to effectively lead the Lahore Qalandars team in the Pakistan Super League, resulting in the team being at the bottom. Coupled with his own inconsistent performance, it was the key factor that influenced his decision to make substitutions.

“The PCB chairman has made it clear to the selectors that they have to decide who should be captain and said they will be responsible for the future performance of the national team,” the source added.