The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed the ODI captaincy to Shaheen Shah Afridi, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, following internal disagreements and a disappointing run of results in 2025.
In a brief statement, PCB confirmed Shaheen will lead Pakistan in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa in Faisalabad (November 4–8). The announcement made no mention of Rizwan, who had previously guided Pakistan to a historic ODI series win in Australia — their first in 22 years.
From Triumph to Turmoil
Rizwan’s tenure took a sharp downturn this year. Pakistan’s performance nosedived after their home tri-series final defeat, followed by a first-round exit in the Champions Trophy, a bitter blow considering it was the nation’s first time hosting an international tournament since 1996.
The slide continued in the West Indies tour (July–August), where Pakistan suffered a 2–1 series defeat — their first to the Caribbean side since 1991.
The Breaking Point: Rift with Mike Hesson
According to sources, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson played a key role in Rizwan’s removal.
PCB wanted Hesson’s written input on the ODI captaincy. In his report, Hesson made it clear he didn’t see Rizwan continuing in the role.
The tension reportedly stemmed from selection disagreements during the West Indies series. Rizwan had expressed frustration over a lack of authority in picking the playing XI — an issue that had already surfaced during Pakistan’s 3–0 loss in New Zealand earlier in the year.
“Hesson wasn’t comfortable with Rizwan,” the source added. “He felt the captain’s constant disagreements were disrupting team dynamics.”
Aaqib Javed and PCB’s Reluctant Call
At that time, Aaqib Javed was serving as interim head coach and also clashed with Rizwan. Despite internal pressure to make a change, PCB opted to give Rizwan one final chance — a decision that backfired after the West Indies defeat.
Shaheen’s Second Shot at Leadership
This marks Shaheen Afridi’s return to captaincy after a difficult stint as T20I skipper, where Pakistan lost 4–1 in New Zealand in early 2024 before Babar Azam was reinstated.
Shaheen had requested a longer run. But PCB has given him just this three-match series — though there are strong indications he could continue and possibly take over the T20I captaincy after next year’s World Cup.
Seen as a long-term leadership solution, Shaheen faces the challenge of maintaining his fitness as a fast bowler, a crucial factor if he’s to lead consistently across formats.
Criticism and Controversy
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif was quick to criticize the decision, calling it “divide and rule” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Policy is political strategy to gain and maintain power by creating and exploiting divisions — in this case, within Pakistan cricket.
He didn’t hold back in his assessment, adding: “Pakistan is the only country that cannot even produce a decent captain or leader.”
Looking Ahead
With the ODI series against South Africa just weeks away, all eyes will be on how Shaheen Afridi steers a team shaken by internal discord and patchy performances. The PCB’s gamble could either stabilize Pakistan’s white-ball setup — or deepen the cracks within it.
