Mohammad Rizwan has been controversially removed as Pakistan’s ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking over the leadership role. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the sudden change late Monday, igniting considerable discussion among cricket enthusiasts. This move follows Rizwan’s appointment less than a year ago, after Babar Azam was removed. Shaheen Afridi, who was previously relieved of the T20I captaincy, now faces the challenge of leading the 50-over side. The abrupt transition has raised significant questions regarding the board’s strategic consistency and decision-making processes. Reports suggest that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson was instrumental in advocating for this change, reportedly backed by members of the selection committee and advisory board, including former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, and high-performance director Aaqib Javed. Internal discussions in Islamabad are said to have culminated in Hesson’s recommendation being the catalyst for Rizwan’s dismissal. Some internal reports have also alluded to discomfort within the PCB regarding Rizwan’s strong religious affiliations and his role in team discussions, with an insider noting anxiety over his emphasis on religion, which reportedly made some players uneasy. However, another perspective suggests Rizwan’s refusal to endorse betting companies was the primary reason for friction with board sponsors. A PCB source indicated that Rizwan’s opposition to collaborations with betting firms did not align well with official preferences. Rizwan’s ODI captaincy saw 20 matches, with 9 wins and 11 losses, including a challenging Champions Trophy and series defeats. Despite these results, many are questioning the rationale and timing of his sacking, seeing it as a reflection of internal politics over cricketing performance. Shaheen Afridi now faces the task of navigating this transition, leading the team with the ball while working to restore morale amidst intense scrutiny of the PCB’s off-field decisions.
