"Have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be" - Shaheen Afridi on Babar Azam's reappointment as Pakistan Skipper

Pakistan pace bowling spearhead Shaheen Afridi posted a cryptic Instagram story following his removal as T20I captain of the national team. Shaheen Afridi's post came just days after he was replaced by Babar Azam, sparking speculation about his reaction to the situation.

Babar Azam stepped down from the captaincy across formats following the Men in Green's disappointing ODI World Cup campaign last year. Shaheen Afridi assumed the leadership role in the shorter format, while Shan Masood was appointed as the captain of the Test side.

Afridi began his T20I captaincy with a five-match series against New Zealand, but Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat. His leadership challenges extended to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where his team from Lahore managed only one win, finishing at the bottom of the table.

After just one series, Babar Azam resumed his role as Pakistan's white-ball captain on March 3. Reports emerged that the left-arm pacer was disappointed with the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) inadequate communication regarding his removal from captaincy duties.

Have To Show You How Cruel And Ruthless I Can Be - Shaheen Afridi

On Friday, April 5, Shaheen Afridi posted an Instagram story with a message hinting at frustration. It's uncertain if this relates directly to his removal as captain.

"Never ever put me in a position where I have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be. Don't test my patience. Because I might be the kindest and sweetest person you've ever met, but once I reach my limit, you'll see me do the things that no one thought I was capable of doing," Afridi's Instagram post read.

To whom it may concern,

Regards,
Shaheen Afridi. pic.twitter.com/V5H8sFUIY5

— Usama Zafar (@Usama7) April 4, 2024

Shaheen Afridi Has Undeniably Proven Himself - PCB

"In a strategic move aimed at ensuring player well-being and peak performance, the board overhauled the white-ball leadership. Babar, renowned for his brilliant batting record in international cricket will take over the captaincy from Shaheen Shah Afridi," the PCB said in a statement on Sunday.

"While Shaheen Afridi has undeniably proven himself as a star fast bowler, leading Pakistan's pace attack over the years, the board recognises the importance of rotation and rest to maintain his peak performance. This decision aligns with board's commitment to safeguarding the longevity of the players, especially fast bowlers given their injury timelines in the past two years."

Pakistan is gearing up to host New Zealand for a five-match series, commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 18. Following this, two matches are scheduled at the same venue on April 20 and April 21, while the last two encounters will be held in Lahore on April 25 and April 27, respectively.

Following the New Zealand series, the Men in Green will compete against Ireland in a three-match T20I series on foreign soil. They will engage in their final bilateral assignment against England before the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean Islands and the USA.

Also read: Shaheen Afridi accuses PCB of lying openly, denies to co-operate with Babar Azam