PSL 7: Lahore Qalandars appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain

Lahore Qalandars have announced Shaheen Shah Afridi as their new captain for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The left-arm pacer’s appointment was confirmed in a press conference on Monday (December 20). He will take over the reins from Sohail Akhtar, who was at the helm of affairs during the sixth edition of PSL. Akhtar remains the most successful captain of Qalandars. He led the team to their maiden and only appearance in the final in the PSL five.

Meanwhile, Afridi’s appointment solidifies his rapid rise in the game. At the mere age of 21, he has managed to be the leader of the Pakistani attack. Aqib Javed, who is Qalandars head coach was effusive in praise of Shaheen. He said that he has never seen a player groom so early and possess the skillsets as the left-arm bowler has in the arsenal.

“My priority is always to polish and see a young cricketer improving his career towards betterment. Never saw any cricketer groom so well and quickly with the skills as Shaheen Afridi,” said head coach Aqib Javed, according to Cricket Pakistan.

Shaheen will first time be seen in the leadership role in professional cricket for Qalandars in PSL 7. He joined the team in the third edition of the tournament and since then has been an inseparable part of the franchise. The left-arm pacer has been one of the biggest contributors for the team in terms of match-winning abilities with the ball in hand. He has so far taken 50 wickets at an impeccable average of 21.20 in 37 matches.

Shaheen is in some form this year and across formats. He was instrumental in Pakistan reaching the semis of the 20-20 World Cup. In Test cricket, he ended up taking 47 wickets in 2021.