Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been appointed as Pakistan’s new One Day International (ODI) captain, replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. This significant change in leadership follows a recent selection committee meeting attended by PCB chairman and head coach Mike Hesson. Under Rizwan’s leadership, Pakistan’s ODI performance had seen a decline, marked by only one victory in their last nine matches. This disappointing streak included a winless campaign during the home Champions Trophy. While Rizwan’s early tenure showed promise with successful overseas series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, a subsequent slump, beginning with the Champions Trophy and continuing against New Zealand and the West Indies, led to the decision. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Afridi’s appointment after a period of speculation, which began when official confirmation of Rizwan’s captaincy was notably absent. Afridi’s previous experience as captain saw Pakistan lose a T20I series against New Zealand, a situation mirroring Rizwan’s own recent removal. However, the team, coaching staff, and Afridi will be looking to build momentum and achieve better results in this new chapter. Afridi’s exceptional form in ODIs, where he was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan last year, is a key factor in this decision, with hopes that the added responsibility will not impact his bowling prowess. His first challenge as ODI captain will be a three-match series against South Africa.
