In a surprising decision, the PCB has replaced Mohammad Rizwan with Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain. This significant change was made following the team’s poor performance under Rizwan’s captaincy.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major decision, removing wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan from the captaincy of the ODI team. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed the new ODI captain in his place. The PCB made this announcement immediately after the first day of the Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi.
PCB’s Sudden Decision
However, the board did not provide a clear reason for this change. In its official statement, the PCB did not even mention Rizwan by name. The board stated that the decision was made after a meeting in Islamabad with the selection committee and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
Rizwan’s captaincy had already been under scrutiny
Questions had been raised over Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI captaincy for the past few weeks. In a recent statement, the PCB did not clarify whether Rizwan would remain captain for the South Africa tour. Mohammad Rizwan was appointed to the ODI team last year. Under his leadership, Pakistan won series against South Africa and Australia in 2024. However, the team’s performance declined in 2025. Criticism intensified, particularly after Pakistan’s first-round exit in the 2025 domestic Champions Trophy. Rizwan has averaged around 42 as captain, but questions have been raised about his strategy and decision-making.
Afridi gets a second chance
This will be Shaheen Afridi’s second time captaining Pakistan in a white-ball format. In January 2024, he was appointed captain for the T20 series against New Zealand, but Pakistan lost that series 4-1. Babar Azam was subsequently appointed captain.
Afridi in excellent form
However, Afridi is currently in excellent form. He has been Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker over the past year. Since the 2023 World Cup, no bowler from a full-member team has taken more wickets than him. He has taken 45 wickets during this period, averaging more than two wickets per match.
Next challenge: South Africa series
Shaheen Afridi will play his first ODI series as captain against South Africa next month. This series will consist of three ODIs, all of which will be played in Faisalabad. Now it will be interesting to see whether Afridi is able to show his sharpness in captaincy like he does in his bowling or not.
