Fans disapprove: Backlash erupts as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood named Pakistan captains

After Babar Azam declared his resignation from the captaincy across all formats following Pakistan's premature exit from the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in India on Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly unveiled the new leaders for the team. 

Babar confirmed his decision on social media, and soon afterwards, the PCB announced that pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would assume the role of T20I captain, while Shan Masood is slated to captain the team in Test cricket. However, no announcement has been made regarding the ODI captaincy.

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"Presenting our captains @shani_official has been appointed Test captain while @iShaheenAfridi will lead the T20I side," stated PCB.

The revelation of the new captains has stirred agitation and dissatisfaction among Pakistan fans, with many criticizing the board for employing questionable tactics that led to Babar's departure from the captaincy.

Babar and his team concluded the World Cup 2023 in fifth place, securing four wins and suffering five defeats. Two days after their exit, Pakistan's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, also stepped down.

Now that Babar has relinquished his position, he said, "I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication".