Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Pakistan in ODIs, Rizwan steps down

Senior pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will replace Muhammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s new One-Day International (ODI) captain starting next month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday. Shaheen will lead the team in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

The decision was taken during a meeting in Islamabad attended by national selectors, members of the advisory board, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. While the PCB did not provide an official reason for the leadership change, reports indicate that Hesson’s recommendation influenced the board’s decision.

Shaheen, 25, has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs, 92 T20 Internationals, and 32 Test matches. He is widely regarded as one of the leading fast bowlers in the team and is expected to bring fresh leadership to Pakistan’s ODI squad.

Muhammad Rizwan, who captained Pakistan in 20 ODIs, registered nine wins and 11 losses during his tenure. His record includes series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but also losses in the ICC Champions Trophy and series against New Zealand and the West Indies. Since taking charge as white-ball head coach in late May, Hesson worked with Rizwan in only one ODI series, the three-match tour of the West Indies, which reportedly contributed to his assessment of Rizwan’s captaincy.

Reports also highlight that some PCB officials were reportedly uncomfortable with Rizwan’s efforts to integrate religious practices into the dressing room. According to Pakistan batsman Imam ul Haq, Rizwan had organised special sermons at team hotels and encouraged players to pray five times a day. Similar concerns were noted during former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq’s tenure between 2004 and 2007.

The decision to replace Rizwan was also supported by members of the selection committee, including Aaqib Javed, director of the High Performance Centre, and former captains Sarfaraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq, who are part of the advisory board to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Earlier, former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad had publicly criticised Rizwan, claiming that he used religion to justify the team’s poor performances.

The PCB has confirmed that Shaheen Shah Afridi will officially assume the ODI captaincy role for the upcoming South Africa series, marking a new leadership phase for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team.