In a surprising shake-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on October 20 the removal of Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain, appointing fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as his successor. Rizwan had only assumed the role last October following Babar Azam’s resignation, making this the third change in ODI leadership within a year.
The 25-year-old will lead Pakistan in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa next month. The decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025
Champions Trophy, where they finished last in Group A, trailing India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Rizwan’s tenure failed to deliver the desired results, prompting the PCB to act swiftly.
The board confirmed Shaheen’s appointment after a meeting held in Islamabad. He is known for his fiery pace, and the leadership will be closely watched as Pakistan seeks stability and renewed momentum in the 50-over format ahead of future international commitments.
"A meeting of the selection committee, also attended by Pakistan's white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, decided that Shaheen will lead Pakistan's ODI side against South Africa," said a PCB release as quoted by NDTV Sports.
Pakistan’s ODI leadership continues to shift as Shaheen replaces Rizwan ahead of the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, scheduled for November 4, 6, and 8 in Faisalabad. Rizwan had a promising start as captain, leading Pakistan to a historic 2-1 series win in Australia, their first in 22 years, in November 2024.
He followed up with a dominant 3-0 whitewash of South Africa at home and a 2-1 victory in Zimbabwe. However, this year brought setbacks to the skipper. Pakistan lost the home tri-series final to New Zealand and exited the Champions Trophy in the group stage.
The low point came in the West Indies, where Pakistan suffered a 2-1 defeat, their first series loss there in 34 years. Shaheen, who briefly captained Pakistan in T20Is last year during a 4-1 series loss in New Zealand, now returns to leadership hoping to revive the team’s fortunes in the 50-over format.
