‘Can Never Say No To Imran..’: Shaheen Afridi Reveals Why He Became Lahore Qalandars Captain Despite No Interest

PSL 2024: Shaheen Shah Afridi opens up on why he chose to be the captain of Lahore Qalandars despite lacking interest.

Shaheen Shah Afridi during game four of the Men's T20 series between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval on January 19, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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Pakistan star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, took over the captaincy of the Lahore Qalandars franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in December 2021. Under his leadership, Lahore Qalandars have transformed into a formidable team within just two years. Now, Afridi will lead the squad in their quest for a third successive title in the upcoming PSL season 9.Interestingly, Afridi revealed that he never had the interest in captaining Qalandars, and it was Imran Khan's insistence that eventually led him to take on the role as the skipper.

As per ESPNcricinfo, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had minimal experience in captaincy at the Under-19 level, expressed his initial lack of interest in leading a team. However, during a meeting in 2021 with Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana and coach Aqib Javed at the Prime Minister's office, the suggestion from then Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan led to Afridi's appointment as captain. 

'I Never Even Had An Interest In Captaincy'

Despite initially being the vice-captain, Imran Khan's insistence prompted the change, and Afridi assumed the captaincy role for Lahore Qalandars.

"I have not captained at any age level, really, maybe once at Under-19 level. I never even had an interest in captaincy. But then in 2021, I was sitting in the PM office with Sameen bhai [Lahore Qalandars owner] and Aqib Javed, and Imran Khan [then Pakistan Prime Minister] suggested that I be appointed captain," said Afridi while speaking to ESPNcricinfo as quoted by them.

“Obviously, you can never say no to Imran bhai. After that I became captain of Lahore. I was vice-captain, but when Imran bhai said I should be captain, that's when the change happened,” he added further.

Shaheen Shah Afridi further shared that after Lahore Qalandars clinched their maiden title in 2021, he visited Imran Khan to express his gratitude for having faith in him and supporting his captaincy role.

"When we won the title in 2022, I went to meet Imran bhai and told him 'at least we've now won one title!' And I thanked him at the time for showing faith in me. That's when my captaincy started, until then I had no interest," Shaheen said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.