The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday named pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi a few weeks ahead of Pakistan’s Odi Series against South Africa. Muhammad Rizwan was sacked after a meeting between head coach Mike Hesson and the selection committee in Islamabad.
Shaheen will lead Pakistan in the three-match Odi Series against South Africa in Faisalabad, Faisalabad. The PCB made the announcement shortly after the opening day of the ongoing test between the two sides in Rawalpindi. It should be noted that the board did not mention the reason for Mohammad Rizwa’s removal.
Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped as Odi’s captain amid a slump in form
According to a report by ESPNcricInfo, head coach Mike Hesson has asked Mohsin Naqvi to hold a meeting with the selection and advisory committee to decide on a new captaincy.
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The move was not initiated by Hesson alone, but received strong support from senior PCB officials. The final decision was made in Islamabad after discussions with Hesson and the selection panel.
Rizwan started his captaincy with Pakistan Odi series with Odi series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, the team’s performances have declined in recent months, winning just one of their last nine ODIs and enduring a winless Champions Cup campaign.
Muhammad Rizwan Carried the Palestinian Flag – Rashid Latif Slams Mike Hesson
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has expressed his concern over the removal of Mohammad Rizwa as Odi Skipper. The former WicketKeeper-prospect also expressed his distaste for Mike Hesson’s RIZWAN carrying the Palestinian flag.
“The fact that Rizwan, who has received the flag of Palestine, is already the captain, is that the reason to remove him as the captain? This is the way of thinking, in an Islamic country, this is the way of thinking of a non-Islamic captain.”
“Mike Hesson gave those directions. Maybe he didn’t appreciate our culture. He was in the locker room – why can’t I understand these people? There are five or six members who are starting to finish our culture.”
According to Rashid Latif, Mohammed Rizwani was dropped as captain for speaking out for Palestine and Mike Hesson did not like the culture he brought to the dressing room.pic.twitter.com/yuokfsqz8q
– Hassan Abbasian (@hassanabbasian) October 20, 2025
Shaheen Shah Afridi Last LED Pakistan in a T20I series in New Zealand
Shaheen Shah Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam in Pakistan’s T20I squad, who had lost 4-1 before a 4-1 defeat against New Zealand in January 2024. Now there is another opportunity to lead Oi’s side. The left-hander will hope to continue his role until the 2027 World Cup.
After Pakistan’s heavy loss to India in the Asia Cup, Salman Agha faced criticism, Afridi is also a strong contender to take over the T20I captaincy.
Rizwan averages around 42 runs an innings as Odi Skipper. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the ODI series in Australia and South Africa in 2024, but their form in subsequent periods, including an early exit in the home champions trophy.
Shaheen was Pakistan’s best wicket-taker last year and played a key role in their victories in the series in South Africa and Australia. Since the 2023 World Cup, a fast bowler from a full member nation has claimed more Wakkets than Afridi’s 45.
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