New Delhi, October 21 (Daily Kiran): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday made a major announcement, appointing fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of the national One-Day International (ODI) team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. The decision came after the first day of the ongoing Test match against South Africa in Rawalpindi, where both Rizwan (33) and Afridi (25) are part of the playing XI.
In its official statement, the PCB did not mention Rizwan by name or cite any reason for his removal. The board stated only that the decision was made following a meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
Last week, the PCB had refrained from confirming Rizwan’s continuation as ODI captain for the South Africa series. Instead, it mentioned that Hesson had requested PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to convene a meeting to choose a new skipper.
Sources indicated that the decision was not solely based on the coach’s recommendation but had strong backing from senior PCB officials as well.
Shaheen Afridi previously led Pakistan in the T20I series against New Zealand in January 2024. However, his captaincy stint was short-lived after Pakistan lost the series 4–1, leading to Babar Azam’s reinstatement as T20 captain.
Currently, Pakistan follows a three-captain policy across formats. Rizwan was appointed ODI captain last year and led the side to series wins in Australia and South Africa. However, the team’s performance declined this year, particularly after an early exit from the home Champions Trophy.
Despite the team’s struggles, Rizwan’s individual performance remained strong. He continues to be among Pakistan’s top run-getters, averaging around 42 in ODIs.
Afridi, meanwhile, is enjoying excellent form. He was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker last year and played a crucial role in their series victories in South Africa and Australia. Since the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from any full-member nation has matched his tally of 45 wickets.
Under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistan’s first ODI series will be against South Africa next month in Faisalabad.
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