Mohammad Rizwan sacked, Shaheen Shah Afridi named Pakistan’s ODI captain:PCB’s merry-go-round policy continues with eyes on 2027 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed Mohammad Rizwan from the captaincy of the ODI team. In his place, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as the new captain. This decision was announced immediately after the end of the first day of the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi. Both Rizwan and Shaheen are playing in this Test. The PCB did not state any official reason for removing Rizwan. The board merely stated that the decision was taken at a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by the selection committee and white-ball coach Mike Hesson. Also read: How sledging became Australia’s biggest weapon?: Virat Kohli Sourav Ganguly led India’s retaliation
Signs of Rizwan’s removal were already evident Clear indications emerged last week that the PCB’s trust in Rizwan had diminished. In fact, the board had refused to confirm Rizwan’s continuation as captain in a statement and had mentioned calling a meeting to discuss a new appointment. It is believed that the decision to remove Rizwan was not solely based on the coach’s recommendation, but was taken after a consensus at the higher levels of the PCB. Rizwan was made ODI captain last year
Rizwan has been the ODI captain since last year. He led Pakistan to series victories in Australia and South Africa in 2024. He himself scored runs at an average of 42. However, this year the team’s performance was weak, and Pakistan was eliminated in the first round of the Champions Trophy 2025. Shaheen Afridi gets a second chance Shaheen Afridi has been a white-ball captain before. He was made captain for the T20 series against New Zealand in January 2024, but Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat. Following this, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to retain him as captain, and a week later, Babar Azam was reappointed as captain. Also read: Beyond firecrackers – How cricket adds to India’s pollution problem: Why the sport is a major contributor to emissions
Now, Shaheen has been given a second chance, entrusting him with the command of the ODI team. He is currently in excellent form. Last year, he was the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan. Since the 2023 World Cup, he has taken 45 wickets, which is the most among bowlers from any full-member team. Shaheen’s first challenge next month
As ODI captain, Shaheen’s first responsibility will be the three-match ODI series against South Africa in Faisalabad next month. This is considered his first test of leadership. An eye on the ODI World Cup 2027 With the ODI World Cup 2027 less than two years away, Pakistan will be hoping to give Shaheen enough time to find a settled group of players they will groom till the 2027 World Cup.