Shaheen Shah Afridi responds to Rizwan’s challenge in a lighthearted exchange before BBL match

Pakistan star players Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi were involved in a hilarious exchange of words ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat. They are representing different franchises in the league, with Rizwan being part of the Renegades while Shaheen is playing for the Brisbane Heat.

The host told speedster Afridi that Rizwan said that he would hit his deliveries out of the park. Shaheen responded: “I will not allow him to hit big shots.” Both share a good bond, considering their long presence in the Pakistan National Team.

Earlier, Shaheen replaced Rizwan as ODI captain. He revealed that he accepted the skipper’s armband after Rizwan agreed to step down. “I discussed the matter with Rizwan and took the responsibility of leading Pakistan in ODIs,” Shaheen had said.

“I discussed with Rizwan, and I asked him how he felt when I became the captain.

“Rizwan decided to leave the post to allow me to captain Pakistan, and this is how we worked out things,” he added.

The right-arm pacer was appointed the Men in Green’s T20 skipper in 2023 but was sacked after one series against New Zealand. He had taken over after Babar Azam decided to quit after the 2023 World Cup. However, Shaheen was removed, with Babar coming back as T20 captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

Shaheen said Rizwan agreed to help him. He added that as the team’s captain, he would support Babar and Rizwan, as they are the players with a lot of experience.

“I am not egoistic and take suggestions from everyone. I don’t think about the past. Everyone will have to contribute to improve as a team. You can’t put all the pressure on Babar, Rizwan and Fakhar. We will have to click as a group. Rizwan is Pakistan’s top performer in one-day internationals. Babar is also in good touch.”

Shaheen wants to lead Pakistan in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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