Shadab vows to ‘lead from front’ on first assignment as Pakistan captain

SHARJAH: Pakistan’s newly-appointed T20I captain Shadab Khan hoped he would lead the young side from the front during the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan starting today (Friday) at the Sharjah Stadium.

Speaking at a scheduled pre-series press conference on Thursday, Shadab said that the crowd would get to see thrilling matches in the upcoming series, adding, “Afghanistan also have world-class players, especially Rashid Khan.”

Talking about his strategy as the captain of a new-look Pakistan squad, Shadab said he believed in leading from the front and hoped that the players would continue their top form from the PSL.

“I lead from the front and take complete responsibility,” said Shadab

“I have asked the youngsters to utilize their form and play their national games,” he said

He added since the quality of the Pakistan Super League is closer to that of international cricket, young as well as senior players making a comeback would not find it difficult to adjust.

Moreover, he revealed it was his first experience playing in the month of Ramadan, adding,”I will now know how it feels like to play in Ramadan.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the PCB announced a fresh-look squad under the captaincy of Shadab for the upcoming away assignment as the key players, including all-format captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi were rested.

Pakistan Squad: Shadab Khan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.

Reserves: Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah, Usama Mir

Shadab Khan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan.

Afghanistan T20I series Itinerary:

24 March – First T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

26 March – Second T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

27 March – Third T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

READ: Asia Cup 2023 likely in Pakistan as India to play on neutral venue: report