Shaheen Shah Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s ODI captain, marking the third leadership change in one year amid PCB restructuring.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the appointment of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. This marks the third leadership reshuffle in the past 12 months, reflecting continued instability in Pakistan’s cricket management.
The decision was made following a performance review of Pakistan’s recent ODI series, which highlighted inconsistent results and team morale issues. Rizwan, who captained the side for less than six months, will continue to play as a senior batsman and wicket-keeper.
PCB sources revealed that Afridi’s strong leadership skills during domestic tournaments and his popularity in the dressing room influenced the decision. Afridi is expected to bring energy, aggression, and strategic discipline to Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket setup.
Cricket analysts have expressed mixed reactions. Some see Afridi’s appointment as a positive move for long-term planning, while others criticize the frequent captaincy changes for disrupting team stability ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy.
Afridi, in his statement, said he is “honoured to lead Pakistan and committed to rebuilding confidence in the team.” PCB also confirmed that the selection committee is planning to appoint a new vice-captain and a dedicated performance manager to improve consistency.
The leadership change has generated intense discussion on social media, where fans have called for structural reforms and better player management within the PCB.