Shaheen Afridi Replaces Rizwan as Pakistan ODI Skipper

In a significant shift, Pakistan’s ODI captaincy has been handed to Shaheen Shah Afridi, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the leadership change late Monday, creating a stir in the nation’s cricket fraternity. Rizwan had only been in the role for approximately 11 months after Babar Azam’s earlier removal. This latest development sees Shaheen Afridi, who recently lost the T20I captaincy, now taking charge of the ODI squad. The swift nature of this decision has prompted discussions about the PCB’s leadership strategy and its stability. Multiple reports point towards white-ball head coach Mike Hesson as a driving force behind the move. Despite a short working relationship with Rizwan, Hesson’s recommendation, reportedly supported by figures like Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Aaqib Javed, is believed to have been pivotal. Sources close to the PCB describe Hesson’s input as the ‘springboard’ for Rizwan’s ousting following internal deliberations. Further reports have surfaced suggesting that certain PCB elements were uncomfortable with Rizwan’s overt religious influence within the team environment. Concerns were reportedly raised about his organization of sermons and encouragement of prayer, which allegedly caused unease among some players. Conversely, other reports highlight Rizwan’s firm stance against promoting betting companies as a potential source of conflict. It’s understood that Rizwan conveyed his unwillingness to support surrogate betting brands, creating a rift with the board’s commercial interests. Rizwan’s captaincy tenure encompassed 20 ODIs, resulting in 9 victories and 11 defeats. His record includes a disappointing Champions Trophy performance and losses in bilateral series. Many fans and former cricketers have voiced their surprise and criticism regarding the timing and justification for his dismissal, suggesting it reflects internal political maneuvering. Shaheen Afridi inherits a team in flux, tasked with both on-field leadership and rebuilding confidence amidst ongoing PCB controversies.