Pakistan Skipper Mohammad Rizwan Threatens to Step Down Over Reduced Authority | Reports

April 10, 2025 0 86

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly considering stepping down if he isn’t given more say in team selection after being dropped from the T20I squad.

Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan is expected to hold crucial talks with PCB chairman Mohsin Khan after the team’s poor white-ball tour of New Zealand. Rizwan may step down as captain if denied greater involvement in team selection. The wicketkeeper-batter, who took charge in October 2024, is also seeking an explanation for his exclusion from the T20I squad, along with Babar Azam.

Reports suggest Rizwan disagreed with interim coach Aaqib Javed over team combinations during the ODIs. He had backed playing five specialist bowlers in the first two matches. Tensions have risen since his removal from the T20I side, and clarity on his role is expected in the upcoming meeting.

“Rizwan is due to meet the PCB chairman as soon as he gets an opportunity to seek clarity on his axing from the T20I side,” a source close to the captain was quoted as saying by telecomasia.net.

“Rizwan will seek more power in the selection of the playing eleven. And if he’s not given that, there’s a real possibility he could step down from the ODI captaincy,” it added.

Mohammad Rizwan Unhappy as Pakistan End Tour With 1-4 and 0-3 Losses

Meanwhile, Pakistan wrapped up their five-match T20I series under Agha’s leadership with a 1-4 defeat. The team then suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series that followed. The poor run has sparked discontent within the squad. Mohammad Rizwan expressed frustration after the ODI series, pointing to a lack of communication over decisions made before the T20Is. He hinted at not being informed or consulted during squad selections. Internal issues seem to be mounting as the team struggles across formats.

Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board has begun its search for a permanent head coach. The board is already in contact with several overseas candidates. These developments come as Pakistan looks to rebuild ahead of upcoming international assignments.