Pakistan have sacked Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain, with star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi changing him as the brand new skipper of the facet within the 50-over cricket. The choice was introduced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the primary day of the continuing Take a look at match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi on Monday.
The choice to exchange Rizwan and appoint Afridi as captain was made following a gathering attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director of Excessive Efficiency Aqib Javed and members of the nationwide choice. committee in Islamabad.
Shaheen will lead Pakistan in his first task once they tackle South Africa in a three-match ODI sequence starting on 4 November.
At simply 25 years outdated, Shaheen already boasts a powerful document within the 50-over format. Since making his debut in 2018, he has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs, claiming 131 wickets at a mean of 24.28. Through the years, he has cemented his place as Pakistan’s frontline pacer.
Shaheen final captained Pakistan in early 2024, main the T20I facet in a five-match house sequence in opposition to New Zealand that ended stage at 2-2.
Why Was Mohammad Rizwan Sacked As Pakistan ODI Captain?
Mohammad Rizwan’s elimination appeared inevitable after the PCB just lately issued an announcement, pointedly declining to verify him as ODI captain forward of the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. As a substitute, it talked about that head coach Mike Hesson had requested PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to carry a gathering with the choice and advisory committee to decide on a brand new captain.
In accordance with an ESPNcricinfo report, the need to exchange Rizwan wasn’t pushed solely by the top coach however had broader assist from the highest tiers of the PCB’s decision-making physique.
Since taking on as Pakistan’s ODI captain final yr, Rizwan has amassed runs at a mean of just below 42, trailing the crew’s prime scorer by solely 4 runs. Below his management, Pakistan secured sequence victories in Australia and South Africa in 2024, although their kind has declined this yr, highlighted by a disappointing first-round exit on the house Champions. trophy.