The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday appointed pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi because the ODI skipper, simply weeks earlier than Pakistan’s ODI sequence towards South Africa begins on November 4. Mohammad Rizwan was sacked after a gathering between head coach Mike Hesson and the choice committee in Islamabad.
Shaheen will lead Pakistan within the three-match ODI sequence towards South Africa in Faisalabad from November 4 to eight. The PCB made the announcement shortly after the opening day of the continuing Check between the 2 sides in Rawalpindi. Notably, the board didn’t point out the explanation behind Mohammad Rizwan’s elimination.
Mohammad Rizwan Eliminated as ODI Captain Amid Declining Kind
In response to a report by ESPNcricinfo, head coach Mike Hesson had requested chairman Mohsin Naqvi to carry a gathering with the choice and advisory committee to resolve on new management.
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The transfer wasn’t initiated solely by Hesson however had sturdy backing from senior PCB officers. The ultimate determination was made in Islamabad after discussions involving Hesson and the choice panel.
Rizwan started his captaincy with Pakistan securing ODI sequence wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Nevertheless, the staff’s efficiency declined in current months, successful solely certainly one of their final 9 ODIs and enduring a winless Champions Trophy marketing campaign.
Mohammad Rizwan Carried the Flag of Palestine – Rashid Latif Slams Mike Hesson
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed his considerations over Mohammad Rizwan’s elimination as ODI skipper. The previous wicketkeeper-batter additionally said that Mike Hesson didn’t like Rizwan carrying the flag of Palestine.
“I acquired to know that Rizwan is now not the captain. If he carried the flag of Palestine, is that the explanation you eliminated him as captain? It appears this mindset has developed — that in an Islamic nation, a non-Islamic captain will take cost.”
“Mike Hesson gave these instructions. Perhaps he didn’t admire our tradition. He was within the dressing room — why can’t I perceive these individuals? They’ve a bunch of 5 or 6 members who appear decided to finish our tradition.”
In response to Rashid Latif, Mohammad Rizwan has been faraway from the captaincy as a result of he spoke brazenly for Palestine and Mike Hesson didn’t just like the tradition he dropped at the dressing roompic.twitter.com/YUoKfsqz8q
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 20, 2025
Shaheen Shah Afridi Final Led Pakistan in a T20I Collection in New Zealand
Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s T20I staff to a 4–1 sequence defeat towards New Zealand in January 2024 earlier than being changed by Babar Azam. He now has one other alternative to guide the ODI aspect. The left-handed batter will likely be hoping to proceed his position till the 2027 World Cup.
Following Pakistan’s heavy losses to India within the Asia Cup 2025, the place Salman Agha confronted criticism, Afridi can also be a robust contender to take over the T20I captaincy.
Rizwan averaged almost 42 runs per innings as ODI skipper. Beneath his management, Pakistan secured ODI sequence wins in Australia and South Africa in 2024, however their kind later dipped, together with an early exit on the house Champions Trophy.
Shaheen was Pakistan’s prime wicket-taker final 12 months and performed a key position of their sequence victories in South Africa and Australia. Because the 2023 World Cup, no quick bowler from a Full Member nation has claimed extra wickets than Afridi’s 45.
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