The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering removing all-rounder Shadab Khan from his post as vice-captain for the national side in white-ball cricket. The decision to replace Khan could be made ahead of the upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand, with leg-spinner Usama Mir being considered as a possible replacement.
Khan, who was appointed vice-captain in 2020, recently led the Men in Green in the T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah, which Pakistan lost 2-1. The PCB has yet to confirm any changes to the vice-captaincy role.
It is worth noting that the schedule for the series between Pakistan and New Zealand has been revised due to elections in Punjab. The two teams will now play three T20Is in Lahore from 14-17 April, followed by two T20Is and the first ODI in Rawalpindi from 20-26 April. The remaining four ODIs will be played in Karachi from 30 April to 7 May.
The New Zealand tour is an additional one for the team and the matches will count towards the ICC Team Rankings. The ODIs will help Pakistan prepare for the ACC Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, while the T20Is will assist the PCB in rebuilding the side for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the USA and West Indies in June/July 2024.
The decision to replace Khan as vice-captain comes after a disappointing performance in the series against Afghanistan, where Pakistan struggled to find their form. It remains to be seen who will take over the role if Khan is indeed replaced, but Mir has been touted as a possible candidate. The PCB is likely to make an announcement regarding the vice-captaincy before the series against New Zealand begins.
