In an unexpected shuffle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) declared on October 20 that fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi would take Rizwan’s place as ODI captain. The ODI leadership has changed three times in a year, with Rizwan taking over the position only last October after Babar Azam resigned.
Next month, the 25-year-old will captain Pakistan in their three-match ODI series against South Africa. Pakistan’s poor showing in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they placed bottom in Group A behind Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, prompted the decision. When Rizwan’s term did not produce the expected outcomes, the PCB acted quickly.
The board met in Islamabad and subsequently approved Shaheen Shah Afridi nomination.
The leadership will be closely observed as Pakistan looks for stability and fresh impetus in the 50-over format ahead of upcoming international commitments. He is known for his ferocious pace.
A PCB statement, cited by NDTV Sports, stated that Shaheen Shah Afridi would captain Pakistan’s ODI team against South Africa after a selection committee meeting that was also attended by Mike Hesson, the country’s white-ball head coach.
Shaheen Shah Afridi takes Rizwan’s place as Pakistan’s ODI captain in advance of the forthcoming three-match series against South Africa, which is set for November 4, 6, and 8 in Faisalabad. In November 2024, Rizwan led Pakistan to their first series victory in 22 years, a historic 2-1 victory in Australia, after a strong debut as captain.
He then won 2-1 in Zimbabwe and a resounding 3-0 Whitewash of South Africa at home. However, the skipper experienced obstacles this year. Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage of the Champions Trophy after losing to New Zealand in the home tri-series final.
The worst part was when Pakistan lost 2-1 in the West Indies, their first series loss in 34 years. Shaheen, who led Pakistan for a short time in T20Is during a 4-1 series loss in New Zealand last year, is back in charge with the goal of turning around the team’s performance in the 50-over format.
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