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Shaheen Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan to become Pakistan's ODI captain

Anurag Dasgupta

Shaheen appointed ODI captain [Source: AFP Photo] Shaheen appointed ODI captain [Source: AFP Photo]

In the latest development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have officially revealed Shaheen Afridi as the successor of Mohammad Rizwan in ODIs. The left-arm seamer, who earlier led Pakistan in T20Is, has now been appointed the ODI skipper. The pacer will lead the Men in Green in the upcoming ODIs vs South Africa.

Rizwan, who replaced Babar Azam as the white-ball captain had a successful South Africa tour in late 2024; however, under his leadership, the Pakistan side failed to reach the knockouts in the Champions Trophy as they crashed out in the group stage after a loss vs India. As a result, his leadership in 50-overs cricket was taken away.

Why Rizwan's captaincy was snatched?

For starters, Pakistan was led by Babar Azam in both ODI and T20I format. However, after a dry run under his leadership, Babar stepped down, and the captaincy of the white-ball side was given to Mohammad Rizwan in October 2024. He successfully led the team in Australia, and South Africa, but the failure to progress in the Champions Trophy at home cost him his leadership.

Moreover, his place in the white-ball side has come under scrutiny after a few lacklustre performances and the team wants to have a dynamic leader in the side.

Why Shaheen was appointed the ODI captain

Shaheen has the prior experience of leading the T20I side, but his leadership was cut-short after just one series in New Zealand. However, the pacer has been an exceptional leader in T20s as he has led Lahore Qalandars to three PSL titles.

In the PSL, Shaheen has been a dynamic leader, and PCB wants him to replicate the same in the ODIs as well. His first stint as ODI captain will be the ODIs vs South Africa as Pakistan aim to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

There were three contenders for captaincy - Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha, but the board wanted a young leader, and hence, Shaheen was promoted as the ODI captain.