Shadab unfazed by competition with Imad Wasim, backs Shaheen as T20I captain

Pakistan cricketer Shadab Khan remains undeterred by the competition posed by Imad Wasim and has thrown his support behind Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shadab emphasized that selection should be based on form and performance rather than personal rivalry or speculation about replacements.

"I never thought that he [Imad] is my competition, so he will take my place. Whatever Allah has written for him or for me, will happen. Whoever is in form, playing well, and beneficial for Pakistan should be in the team. Such thoughts never crossed my mind," Shadab said.

Reflecting on the prospect of captaining the national team, Shadab expressed his reservations about the frequent changes in leadership. 

"I haven't thought about becoming the captain of the national team yet. I've talked before that we try to change things too quickly by bringing one person over another, thinking that things will be alright. But I don't think things work out that way," he further added.

Highlighting the importance of stability in leadership, Shadab Khan emphasized giving Shaheen Shah Afridi more opportunities before considering replacements, advocating against hasty decisions.

"Changing the captain today and bringing another one tomorrow, things won't be better that way. We have given Shaheen one series only and we have started talking about replacing him. I don't think these things should happen," he concluded.

It is worth noting that Shaheen's captaincy has been under the shadow of uncertainty after Lahore Qalandars' performance was subpar in the recently-concluded PSL 9, winning only one match and finishing at the bottom of the points table.