LAHORE: In a surprising shake-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain, replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan ahead of the home series against South Africa.
The announcement has stirred mixed reactions within cricketing circles, with reports indicating that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson was instrumental in advocating for the change — despite having worked with Rizwan for only one series.
According to a PCB statement, Shaheen will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa scheduled in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. The decision was reportedly finalized during a high-level meeting in Islamabad attended by selectors, the PCB advisory board, and Hesson.
Shaheen, who has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs, 92 T20Is, and 32 Tests, brings substantial international experience to the leadership role. However, the sudden move has triggered debate over the timing and reasoning behind the change.
Cricket analyst Omair Alavi questioned the rationale, saying it was “unusual for Hesson to assess Rizwan’s leadership after just one ODI series,” pointing out that Rizwan’s captaincy success rate stands at 45 percent and that he has previously led Pakistan to series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Rizwan’s tenure saw him captain in 20 ODIs, winning nine and losing 11, including a disappointing campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy and subsequent series losses against New Zealand and the West Indies.
The PCB has yet to officially comment on the factors behind Rizwan’s removal, but the decision has undoubtedly added a fresh layer of intrigue to Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the busy international season.
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