Shaheen Afridi Out of Sri Lanka ODI Series Due to Injury Concerns
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI matches against Sri Lanka due to health concerns. He was recently appointed the captain of Pakistan’s ODI team and has made a significant impact despite his early challenges.
Replacement and Team Changes
In light of Afridi’s absence, Salman Ali Agha, the T20I captain, has stepped in to lead the side for the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka. During the pre-match toss, Agha announced changes to the squad, including the inclusion of spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Strategy for the ODIs
- Captain’s Remarks: Agha emphasized the importance of a strong start, stating, “If you don’t start well in the white-ball game, then you end up chasing the game.”
- Player Changes: Besides Afridi, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will also miss out on the matches.
- New Additions: Abrar Ahmed and Wasim Jr have been brought into the playing XI.
Shaheen Afridi’s Leadership Journey
Shaheen Afridi took over the captaincy of Pakistan’s ODI team on November 10, just before the series against South Africa. Under his leadership, Pakistan achieved a 2-1 series victory against the Proteas.
Context of Previous Leadership
- Former Captain: Mohammad Rizwan previously held the captaincy for 20 ODIs, securing nine wins.
- Win Rate: Rizwan’s winning percentage was 45%, with a total of 11 losses.
- T20I Struggles: Rizwan’s stint as T20I captain ended with four consecutive losses, leading to Agha’s appointment.
Salman Ali Agha now holds the responsibility of leading Pakistan’s T20I team on their journey to New Zealand and aiming for success in upcoming matches.
