Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has said that he was thrilled to take the new job of leading the national side in the shortest format of the game.

“I am honoured and thrilled to lead our national T20 cricket team,” he said in a post on X, erstwhile Twitter, on Thursday. “Thank you to the Pakistan cricket board and fans for their trust and support.”

On Wednesday, the left-arm pacer succeeded Babar Azam as the national skipper for the T20 cricket. Shaheen, with his experience of leading Lahore Qalandars to victory twice in the Pakistan Super League’s 2022 and 2023 seasons, will have e mega task to face New Zealand in January.

The visitors will play five T20Is against the Black Caps. The Shaheen-led side will then face the defending champions of T20I World Cup, England, in May.

The left-arm fast bowler vowed to give his best to uphold the team spirit and bring glory to the nation on the cricket field.

Shaheen has bagged 64 wickets in 52 T20Is. He is known for his ability to swing with the new ball.

“Our success lies in unity, trust and relentless effort. We are not just a team; we are a brotherhood, a family. Together, we rise!”