“I’m Still Pakistan’s World Cup Captain for Now,” Shaheen Afridi Says
MULTAN: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has said he remains the national team’s captain for the upcoming World Cup for the time being, while the National Champions Cup will provide an opportunity to assess players ahead of squad selection.
Speaking to the media during the trophy unveiling ceremony for the National Champions Cup in Multan, Shaheen said the tournament would help selectors evaluate individual performances and finalize the squad for the World Cup.
“For now, I am the captain for the World Cup,” Shaheen said, indicating that there had been no change in the leadership position at this stage.
The National Champions Cup will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, featuring four sides: Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold.
The teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top two sides on the points table qualifying for the final scheduled for August 18.
Shaheen will lead Pakistan Gold, while Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan will captain Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Blues respectively.
Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan missed the trophy unveiling and press conference because of fever, with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf representing his team at the event.
All matches in the National Champions Cup will be played under lights and are scheduled to begin at 3pm Pakistan Standard Time.
With the World Cup squad expected to be shaped around current form and performance, the tournament could prove significant for players looking to secure their places in Pakistan’s international setup.