Shaheen Afridi Replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s New ODI captain

Mohammad Rizwan was removed as Pakistan’s ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking over the role ahead of the South Africa series.

Mohammad Rizwan has been sacked as Pakistan’s ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi named as his replacement. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the decision shortly after the first day of the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi, a game that both Rizwan, 33, and Afridi, 25, are currently part of.

No specific reason was mentioned for Rizwan’s removal, and the wicketkeeper-batter was not even referred to in the official PCB statement. According to the board, the decision was made after a meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.

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Rizwan’s removal appeared likely when the PCB issued a statement over the weekend, notably avoiding any confirmation of him as ODI captain ahead of the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. Instead, it stated that Hesson had requested PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold a meeting with the selection and advisory committee to appoint a new captain.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the move to replace Rizwan was not solely initiated by the head coach but had broader support from the top level of the PCB’s decision-making body.

Afridi’s second chance at white-ball captaincy

Afridi’s previous experience leading Pakistan in white-ball cricket ended on a disappointing note. He was appointed T20I captain ahead of the series against New Zealand in January 2024, where Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat. Soon after, he was replaced under similar circumstances to Rizwan’s current sacking. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi at that time also avoided confirming Afridi’s continuation in the role, and Babar Azam was reappointed as T20I captain a week later.

Afridi, meanwhile, takes over in strong form. The left-arm pacer was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs last year and played a key role in their away victories in South Africa and Australia. Since the start of the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from a Full Member nation has taken more wickets than Afridi’s 45, which have come at a rate of more than two wickets per match.

Shaheen Afridi’s first assignment as ODI captain will be the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, featuring three ODIs scheduled in Faisalabad next month.

Last Updated on October 21, 2025