Mohammad Rizwan Removed as Pakistan Names New ODI Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed a new ODI captain for the men's national cricket team ahead of the 50-over series against South Africa at home. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who was Pakistan ODI captain, has been removed from his role after a string of poor performances in the format.

The PCB hasn't given any specific reason behind sacking Rizwan from the Pakistan ODI captaincy but it is believed that it was decided after a meeting with the selection committee and the white-ball coach, Mike Hesson. While he has been removed from captaincy, Mohammad Rizwan remains an integral part of the team's plans in the 50-over format as he is one of their best performers.

Shaheen Afridi Becomes Pakistan New ODI Captain

Star left-arm fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has taken Rizwan's spot to become the new ODI captain of Pakistan. It is not the first time that Afridi will be leading the senior Pakistan team. His first stint as the team's captain came in the 20-over format, which didn't quite go well. After losing the series 1-4 to New Zealand, Afridi was shockingly removed from the role.

Since then, Shaheen Afridi hasn't been considered for the captaincy despite the team's performances going down. He is likely to have a longer stint now as Pakistan aims to prepare for the ODI World Cup 2027, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While Shaheen has become Pakistan new captain in ODIs, he hasn't been given the T20I captaincy, which remains with Salman Ali Agha despite his poor numbers in the format.

Why was Mohammad Rizwan Removed as Pakistan ODI Captain?

Mohammad Rizwan's sacking comes as a shock as he had led Pakistan to historic ODI series wins in South Africa and Australia. He is also the second- highest run-scorer for Pakistan since his captaincy tenure began. Currently, he is also regarded as one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world. However, the early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy might have worked against him as the PCB looks forward to the World Cup 2027.

Rizwan is currently the part of Pakistan's Test and ODI teams only. He, along with Babar Azam, were dropped from the team's T20I team with Pakistan going for an aggressive approach in the format under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha.

Shaheen Afridi's Exceptional Numbers in ODIs

Afridi has been one of the best ODI bowlers in the last few years. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has picked up 45 wickets in this format, the most by a pacer from a full-member nation. He was also central to Pakistan's iconic series victories in Australia and South Africa. Since he is the captain of the team now, he will be expected to lead from the front as Pakistan looks for a long-time goal.

He is also a successful captain in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), having led Lahore Qalandars to three titles. He will be expected replicate his captaincy credentials in international cricket as well. Along with his captaincy, he will be expected to lead from the front with the new ball and in the death overs as well.