Shaheen Afridi is likely to become the new captain of Lahore Qalandars

By Talat Masood Dec 2, 2021, 12:12 IST

Pakistan's left-arm superstar Shaheen Afridi is rumored to be named the new captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Lahore Qalandars, for the seventh edition of the competition. The 21-year-old is expected to replace Sohail Akhtar, whose own regular place is under scrutiny in the coming season.

Although Lahore Qalandars' move has not yet been made official, Shaheen will be the likely date for the upcoming season, according to sources.

Shaheen was announced as the team's vice-captain in the previous edition of the tournament. This will be Shaheen's first ever captaincy in professional cricket.

The fiery left arm pacemaker joined Lahore Qalandars in the third edition of the tournament and has since been the standout performer for the franchise. He is currently the leading wicket taker in the franchise and the seventh highest overall wicket taker in the history of the tournament. Shaheen has won 50 wickets averaging 21.20 and a savings rate of 7.65 in 37 games he has played in the competition so far.

Shaheen is widely considered to be one of the finest bowlers in world cricket in all three formats and his performances for both Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars have been great over the past few years.

Shaheen's appointment ends Sohail Akhtar's two-year term. Sohail is Lahore's most successful captain in PSL history when he led her to their only final of the competition in PSL 5.

Superstar pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is the most talked-about name in the Qalandars dugout for the job. The pacemaker is currently leading the Pakistani tempo attack and is the favorite for a new role in the franchise.

Additionally, the rest of the franchises can stay with their captains like Shadab Khan for Islamabad United, Wahab Riaz for Peshawar Zalmi, Mohammad Rizwan for defending champion Multan Sultan and Sarfaraz Ahmed for Quetta Gladiators.