PAK vs NZ: "I Thought Of Trying Shan Masood As A Vice-captain To Test His Ability"- Najam Sethi

The mighty Black Caps are all set to play a white-ball leg comprising of 5 T20Is and 5 ODIs against Pakistan commencing from 14th April (*Friday). The T20I series would be played in Lahore & Rawalpindi. Shan Masood has been named in both squads. It is assumed that Shan Masood will continue to bat at the No.3 position in T20Is.

New Zealand would be backing themselves to beat Pakistan after thrashing Sri Lanka in the ODI & T20I format despite several star players missing due to IPL commitments. All eyes will be on James Neesham as the all-rounder played a lot of franchise cricket over the last 2-3 months.

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According to multiple reports, it is believed that Kane Williamson will miss ODI WC 2023 due to the knee injury which he sustained during IPL 2023. Tom Latham is considered to be the front runner to captain the side who was the interim skipper whenever Williamson had an injury or IPL commitments.

Also Read: PSL 2023: WATCH – James Neesham Pokes Fun At Shadab Khan After The All-rounder Curses In Frustration Post Dismissal

The decision to appoint the captain and his vice-captain is my discretion- Najam Sethi

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi was having an interaction with “Express”. Najam Sethi made it clear that he has the powers to appoint the skipper & vice-captain. Najam Sethi pointed out that he wanted to try Shan Masood in the vice-captaincy role during ODI Series against New Zealand which Pakistan lost by 1-2.

“The decision to appoint the captain and his vice-captain is my discretion. I had some things going on in my mind, and I had also consulted some people in this regard. I thought of trying [Shan Masood] as a vice-captain to test his ability,” said Najam Sethi.

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“I saw that the selection committee of the series consisting of the captain and the coaches did not include him in the playing eleven of the first match. The team management knew the situation better, so there was no such thing,” he added.

The selectors can defend their decisions- Najam Sethi

Shan Masood was dropped for the first 2 ODIs. Najam Sethi stated that the selectors have the right to name their playing 11 & they will have to face the media as well. Najam Sethi took a jibe at the selectors & coaching staff for not including Shan Masood. Former PCB Chief Selector Shahid Afridi & skipper Babar Azam were highly disappointed to see Shan Masood in the squad.

“If the selectors are conflicted, they can defend their decisions, the media rains on them and also asks questions. I said that since there will be cricket questions, I don’t need to sit with you, you guys have selected the players and made the decisions, so answer them yourself,” said Najam Sethi.

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“I think that my decision was also right and after that if Shan was not included in the initial matches, it was the decision of the team management, which was right or not, only the observers can tell,” he added.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: “I Was Mentally Tortured…” – Simon Doull Reveals How Fans Treated Him After He Criticised Babar Azam During PSL 2023