Breaking: Shaheen Afridi Replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan ODI Captain
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a dramatic shift in team leadership, confirming that Shaheen Afridi Replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan ODI Captain of the national cricket team. The decision marks a significant moment in Pakistan cricket, coming just weeks before the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa in Faisalabad.
The change was officially revealed on Monday evening, shortly after the first day of the ongoing Pakistan vs South Africa Test match in Rawalpindi, in which both players are currently participating.
PCB’s statement did not directly mention Rizwan, nor did it provide an official reason for his removal. However, insiders suggest that the move is part of a wider plan to rebuild Pakistan’s white-ball structure ahead of the next ICC cycle.
The Meeting That Sealed Rizwan’s Fate
According to PCB sources, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting in Islamabad involving the selection committee, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
The board had been reviewing leadership and performance data from the past year and concluded that a change was necessary to inject “fresh energy and aggression” into the ODI squad.
While Hesson did not reportedly demand Rizwan’s removal, multiple insiders claim the decision had strong backing at the highest level of PCB’s hierarchy. The timing of the announcement — during an active Test match — highlights the urgency with which the board wanted to finalize the change.
Rizwan’s Tenure: Consistent but Under Pressure
Mohammad Rizwan, who took charge of the ODI side in 2024, had shown steady performance both as captain and as a batter. He led Pakistan to series victories in Australia and South Africa last year and maintained a batting average close to 42 — ranking among the team’s top scorers during his tenure.
However, Pakistan’s performance dipped in 2025, culminating in a disappointing first-round exit at the Champions Trophy on home soil, a result that put his captaincy under intense scrutiny.
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Observers note that Rizwan’s calm and tactical leadership style, while admired by players, was seen by some in the PCB as “too conservative” for modern ODI demands.
Shaheen Afridi’s Return to Leadership
The appointment marks Shaheen Afridi’s second stint as a white-ball captain. The 25-year-old left-arm pacer had earlier captained Pakistan’s T20 side in early 2024 but was replaced after a 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand.
Since then, Afridi has worked closely with team management and senior players to refine his leadership approach. His form with the ball remains exceptional — no fast bowler from any Full Member nation has taken more ODI wickets since the 2023 World Cup.
Afridi’s aggression, passion, and charisma make him one of Pakistan’s most recognizable cricketers globally. The PCB believes his presence will reignite the fighting spirit that Pakistan needs in one-day cricket.
Official PCB Statement
In a brief media release, the PCB confirmed Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as the new ODI captain. The statement read:
“Following a detailed meeting with the selection committee and head coach Mike Hesson, the Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Shaheen Shah Afridi as the national ODI captain. The Board appreciates Mohammad Rizwan’s contributions and services to Pakistan cricket.”
Although the message was polite, it was noticeable that Rizwan’s name was not mentioned in any extended comment or thank-you note, fueling speculation that the decision was abrupt and internally contested.
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Afridi’s First Test as ODI Captain
Shaheen Afridi’s first challenge will be the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to begin in Faisalabad next month.
The series is seen as a critical warm-up for Pakistan’s preparations for the next Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy. Afridi is expected to lead a relatively young squad, with selectors planning to give opportunities to new talents in bowling and middle-order batting.
A PCB source told local media that the board wants to “start a new chapter in Pakistan ODI cricket under Shaheen’s leadership” with a focus on long-term planning, data-driven selection, and stronger fielding standards.
Mixed Reaction from Cricket Community
The cricket fraternity has reacted with a mix of surprise and optimism.
Some former players, like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, praised the board’s bold step, saying Shaheen brings aggression and fearless energy. Others, including Misbah-ul-Haq, cautioned that constant captaincy changes could hurt Pakistan’s long-term team chemistry.
Fans on social media have also been divided — with many supporting Rizwan for his calm leadership, while others welcomed Shaheen’s appointment as a new era of fast, fearless cricket.
Rizwan’s Future in Pakistan Cricket
Despite losing the captaincy, Mohammad Rizwan remains a key member of the playing XI. PCB officials have clarified that there is no plan to remove him from the squad, and he will continue to play as Pakistan’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs.
Rizwan’s experience and leadership will still be crucial in the dressing room, especially as Shaheen transitions into his new role. Analysts expect Rizwan to focus on his batting and serve as a senior mentor figure within the team.
Pakistan’s Multi-Captain Era Continues
Pakistan will continue to operate under a split-captaincy system:
- Shan Masood – Test Captain
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – ODI Captain
- Babar Azam – T20 Captain
While this approach allows specialized leadership for each format, it also poses challenges in maintaining consistent team strategies and unity. The PCB insists that this system helps distribute workload and ensures that no player is overburdened across all formats.
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Key Stats Comparison
| Category | Mohammad Rizwan | Shaheen Afridi |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 33 | 25 |
| Captaincy Tenure (ODI) | 2024–2025 | From Oct 2025 |
| ODI Batting Avg (as Captain) | 41.7 | – |
| Major Wins | Australia 2024, South Africa 2024 | – |
| Recent Form | Moderate | Excellent |
| 2023-25 ODI Wickets | – | 45 (most by any Full Member bowler) |
What to Expect Next
Afridi is expected to meet with head coach Mike Hesson this week to finalize the ODI squad for the South Africa series. Training camps are likely to begin in Lahore by early November, with PCB insiders confirming that fitness, intensity, and fielding performance will be given top priority.
The series will also serve as a test for Afridi’s tactical leadership, especially in middle-overs management — an area where Pakistan has struggled in recent years.
Conclusion – Shaheen Afridi Replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan ODI Captain
The appointment of Shaheen Afridi as Pakistan’s new ODI captain represents both continuity and change. It continues the PCB’s pattern of rotating leadership but also signals a shift toward a younger, more aggressive mindset.
Rizwan’s calm stewardship steadied Pakistan through a challenging period, but Afridi now has the opportunity to write a fresh chapter in Pakistan cricket’s white-ball journey.
As Pakistan prepares for the South Africa ODI series, fans will watch closely to see whether Shaheen’s leadership delivers the results the PCB is hoping for — and whether this bold gamble pays off.
