PCB Refutes Claims Of Vice Captaincy Offers Before T20 World Cup Squad Reveal

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied reports suggesting any player was offered the role of vice-captain for the men's team before the T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement on Friday, May 24.

Pakistan was the last team to reveal their 15-member squad for the tournament, which will be held in the United States and West Indies in June. The squad was announced just a day before the deadline for teams to make any changes to their groups.

Although teams can still modify their squads, they now require ICC's approval for any alterations. Fans noticed that Pakistan had not named a deputy to Babar Azam, despite reports suggesting that the vice-captain would be announced on Friday, May 25.

A day after the squad announcement, ESPN Cricinfo reported that Shaheen Afridi, who was replaced from the captaincy role earlier this year, was offered the vice-captaincy but declined. The report added that Shaheen was the primary choice, but after his rejection, selectors considered former vice-captain Shadab Khan. However, as Shadab might not be an immediate selection in the starting eleven, they decided against him as well.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's name was also discussed but was rejected because they preferred a younger player for the role. However, PCB has refuted these claims, stating no offer was made.

"During Friday's selection committee meeting, discussions on the vice-captaincy took place. However, it was unanimously decided not to appoint anyone. As such, no offer was made to any player," PCB posted on X.

During Friday's selection committee meeting, discussions on the vice-captaincy took place. However, it was unanimously decided not to appoint anyone. As such, no offer was made to any player. The side is fully united, committed and keenly looking forward to the upcoming matches…

May 25, 2024

"The side is fully united, committed and keenly looking forward to the upcoming matches in the UK and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024," the tweet further read as PCB emphasised team unity.

On Saturday, May 25, Pakistan suffered a 23-run loss to England in the second T20I at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham after the first T20I was abandoned due to rain in Leeds.