Home / Sports / Pakistan Shakes Up ODI Leadership: Rizwan's Captaincy Tenure Reportedly Ending
Pakistan Shakes Up ODI Leadership: Rizwan's Captaincy Tenure Reportedly Ending
20 Oct, 2025
Summary
- PCB considering new ODI captain for upcoming series against South Africa
- Rizwan's leadership under scrutiny after recent losses and early World Cup exit
- Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha emerge as potential successors
According to reports, Pakistan's cricket board (PCB) is poised to replace Mohammad Rizwan as the ODI captain, with the upcoming three-match series against South Africa in November 2025 set to see a new leader at the helm. Rizwan, who was appointed as the ODI captain last year, has led the team to victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but his leadership has come under scrutiny following a home tri-series final loss to New Zealand, a humiliating early exit from the Champions Trophy, and an away series defeat in the West Indies.
The PCB is now considering a change in captaincy, with fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, former captain Babar Azam, and current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha emerging as the frontrunners for the role. The decision is expected to be made during a meeting of the selection committee and advisory committee on October 20, 2025. The new captain is likely to be retained in the position until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The move to replace Rizwan as the ODI captain was reportedly initiated by head coach Mike Hesson, who has been looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup. The PCB has held "initial discussions" on the matter and has also engaged with one potential candidate, though the identity of the individual has not been revealed.
