Shaheen Afridi to replace Rizwan as Pakistan’s new ODI Captain Azad News HD

 Pakistan cricket at a crossroads: leadership, selection and the white‑ball overhaul

In recent months, Pakistan cricket has found itself at a moment of reckoning. A combination of disappointing results, unrest in the team, rumours of institutional interference, and a younger generation of players knocking at the door have come together to signal that the Men in Green may be preparing for a major reset — particularly in the leadership of the limited‑overs formats (ODIs and T20s). Among the most talked‑about questions is the future of wicket‑keeper‑batter Mohammad Rizwan as One Day International (ODI) captain, and whether Pakistan might instead hand the reins to a rising star like fast‑bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Coupled with this is the national selection committee reportedly finalising the upcoming T20 squad, focused on “balance between experience and fresh talent”, which adds further texture to what appears to be a deliberate transition process.

The current context
To fully appreciate the change that might be coming, one must step back and look at the backdrop. Mohammad Rizwan was appointed as Pakistan’s white‑ball captain (for both ODIs and T20s) in October 2024, replacing Babar Azam.  His appointment reflected two key signals: a desire to freshen the leadership and belief that Rizwan’s calm temperament, batting consistency, and reputation in the dressing room could engender stability.

Yet, despite this new beginning, results have not gone as planned. Pakistan’s white‑ball performances have been erratic. There has been criticism of the selection process, of inconsistent leadership appointments, and of the broader institutional structure — including decisions by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that many view as reactive rather than strategic.

Meanwhile, the PCB has denied on multiple occasions that it is actively discussing replacing Rizwan as ODI skipper or removing Shan Masood as Test captain. For example, in August 2025 the PCB issued a statement calling reports of leadership changes “baseless and unfounded”, and said no proposal had been formally considered.  Yet, simultaneous to these denials, rumours continue to swirl. Spot markets of cricket gossip believe that change is imminent — perhaps inevitable.

The rumour: Rizwan’s ODI captaincy under threat; Afridi in the frame
Into that swirl enters the claim: that Rizwan is “likely to be removed” from the ODI captaincy, and that Shaheen Shah Afridi is the frontrunner to assume the role. At present this remains unconfirmed in the public domain (and indeed the PCB denies formal consideration). But the speculation is fueled by several converging factors:

1. Age and future planning. Rizwan, while still performing, is in his early‑thirties. There’s a logic in larger strategic planning that Pakistan may wish to groom a younger long‑term leader who can carry the team into the next decade. In that context, the idea of handing the mantle to a younger player becomes more compelling.

2. Bowler as leader? A shift in thinking. Pakistan have traditionally favoured batting‑heavy leadership in white‑ball cricket (with captains drawn from top order batsmen). But in recent years there has been some appetite for a new model: dynamic, athletic, and multi‑dimensional. Shaheen Afridi, as a strike‑bowler with significant experience already (including captaincy stints and senior status), fits that mould. Articles have noted that Shaheen remains “highly liked by the players” and “excellent choice for captaincy in T20s” from commentators such as former Pakistan keeper Moin Khan.  The suggestion is that his leadership potential is underrated and could be harnessed.

3. White‑ball turbulence. Pakistan’s recent white‑ball results and tournament failures (including the Champions Trophy home campaign) have increased pressure. Quick fixes (such as captaincy changes) have become part of the conventional response. That context raises the question of whether Rizwan might become a casualty of broader reform, scapegoat or simply part of a leadership refresh.

4. Squad overhaul and youth infusion. Reports indicate that the selection committee is focussed on “balancing experience with fresh talent” in upcoming squads. That means older players — even if still good — may be phased out of leadership roles or given fewer opportunities. If Rizwan remains captain but the squad around him is younger, the dynamic may change; alternatively, aligning a younger captain with a younger squad may be seen as more coherent. The fact that this narrative is emerging adds weight to speculation.

5. Signals from insiders. While nothing is official, on fan forums and commentary boards many believe the ODI captaincy may be part of the next target. For instance, a Reddit thread commented:

   “According to reports, ODI captaincy is also going to go … Rizwan shat the bed …” 
   While not a credible “source” in the journalistic sense, the discussion reflects the narrative momentum.

Taking all this together, one can see why the claim that Rizwan may be removed and Afridi may be considered is resonating. Whether it happens or not, it signals that Pakistan is in a state of flux.

Why this matters: what’s at stake
The question of captaincy is not just a personality change. In Pakistan cricket, where structure, culture and identity are in transition, leadership shifts capture much more: strategic direction, player management, talent pathways, and institutional confidence.

Here are some of the implications:

• Team culture and stability. Having a stable leader allows for consistent vision, training, selection philosophy, and team building. Frequent captaincy changes in Pakistan’s history have contributed to instability. If indeed Pakistan is planning to move Rizwan aside quickly, critics might say they are repeating old mistakes: “nine captains in as many years” being a familiar narrative.

• Succession planning. If the board does want to identify a long‐term leader (say for 2027–31 cycle), then making that decision now — and aligning selections, coaching, and strategy accordingly — is critical. Handing over to a younger captain allows for a 3–4 year leadership arc that could span one or two World Cups. That may give Pakistan a more coherent project rather than ad hoc fixes.

• Symbolism. Who is captain matters. It signifies the kind of team Pakistan wants to be. If a fast‑bowler like Shaheen Afridi becomes captain, it presents a transition away from traditional batting‑led leadership, perhaps toward a more aggressive, athletic, pace‑centric identity.

• Squad building. The captain and selection process are interlinked. If Pakistan is injecting fresh talent, reducing dependence on long‑serving stalwarts, and refreshing leadership, the synergy between who is selected and who leads becomes more crucial. A captain comfortable with younger players, in sync with the selection panel, may accelerate the desired transition.

• Performance outcomes. Ultimately, leadership is judged by results. If a new captain takes over and performance improves (or at least shows signs of improvement, clarity, structure), then the move will be vindicated. But if it leads to disruption, poor results, and lack of clarity, it may cause longer‐term damage.

Why Mohammad Rizwan might be vulnerable
Let’s explore specific reasons why Rizwan’s position might be under pressure — and also factors that might protect him.

Vulnerability factors:

• Age and limited future horizon. While still playing well, Rizwan might not represent a long‑term captaincy option into his late thirties. Pakistan may wish to groom someone younger for sustained captaincy.

• Short tenure so far. He has not had a long run as captain. Appointed only in late 2024, his “time in charge” remains limited. If results are not strong, that exposes him more than a longer‐standing captain.

• Team’s white‑ball performance woes. Even the best leader cannot escape blame when a team under‑performs. The broader lack of consistent success in ODIs and T20s reflects on leadership, selection, planning and depth — and in Pakistan’s environment, the captain often becomes a spokesperson for change.

• Pressure to correlate with fresh talent. If selection emphasis shifts to younger players and fresh talent, the board might want a captain who embodies and drives that philosophy, rather than someone seen as “existing guard”.

• Rumours and media speculation. The mere fact that rumours are circulating can have destabilising effect. If players believe change is coming, authority weakens. Even if the PCB denies it, persistent chatter can erode the credibility of the captaincy role.

Protective factors:

• Strong personal credentials. Rizwan is highly respected as a player — for his consistency as a batter, his wicket‑keeping, his temperament, and his work ethic. These qualities make him a natural leader and give him goodwill among peers.

• Recent appointment mandate. Having been appointed only recently, there is a case that he should be given time to build his leadership and a culture. If the board were to change again so soon, that sends a negative message about patience and planning.

• Board’s public denials. The PCB has explicitly said that changes in ODI captaincy are not under consideration.  If those denials hold and the board remains consistent, then Rizwan’s position remains strong.

• Team dynamics and player support. Changing a captain is not just about the board — the players, coaches, and selectors need to buy in. If Rizwan retains strong support internally, that protects him.

Thus, while Rizwan is potentially vulnerable, his removal is far from a foregone conclusion — especially given the public posture of the board.

Why Shaheen Shah Afridi is being talked about
Exploring the other side of the speculation: why is Shaheen Afridi being mentioned as a possible captain? Some of the reasons:

• Fast‑bowler with senior status. Despite his relative youth, Shaheen has already amassed considerable experience at the international level, across formats. His record as a pace spearhead, his leadership exposure (even if limited), and his presence command respect in the dressing room.

• Athleticism and modern mindset. He is part of what many view as Pakistan’s “next generation” of players who combine pace, skill and attitude. A captain from this mould can influence culture change: fitness standards, fielding intensity, aggression. Selecting such a leader often signals a shift in identity.

• Versatility and all‑round contribution. While primarily a bowler, Shaheen has contributed with the bat in lower order and has shown leadership qualities — qualities selectors increasingly value in a skipper.

• Support among contemporaries and ex‑players. Commentary has suggested that if Pakistan were looking for a new leader, Shaheen would be a strong candidate. For example, Moin Khan has publicly said that he believes Shaheen is “highly liked by the players” and “an excellent choice for captaincy in T20s” and possibly in white‑ball formats. 

That said, the choice of a bowler as full‑time limited‑overs captain remains somewhat unconventional; historically, batting captains have dominated this role in Pakistan. So, while the speculation is plausible, it is not without challenges: leadership responsibilities for a bowler include managing bowling spells, field placement, and batting tactics — and sometimes captains need to balance performance and leadership demands.

The T20 squad selection and the broader transition narrative
Parallel to the captaincy question is the story of the national selection committee — tasked with finalising the T20 squad for upcoming commitments. Sources claim the committee is focused on balancing experience with fresh talent. This is significant for several reasons:

• Explicit signalling of transition. When selectors speak of “balance … fresh talent”, it tends to imply a phase‑out or recalibration of older players and possibly leadership. Even if not explicitly aimed at the captain, it sets the tone for change.

• Squad composition as precursor to leadership change. Often in cricket boards, leadership shifts follow or coincide with major squad overhauls. If Pakistan is injecting younger players into the T20 squad, it makes sense to align leadership with that shift (and hence the speculation around Afridi for captaincy becomes more meaningful).

• Upcoming international assignments pressuring clarity. With series and tournaments ahead, Pakistan cannot afford prolonged ambiguity around leadership or squad composition. An announcement “expected next week” suggests that the selectors and board are keen to get ahead of the narrative, rather than allow uncertainty to fester.

• Integration of new players. A younger squad requires management and leadership that can integrate emerging talent, motivate weaker players, and build unity. The selection committee’s language of “fresh talent” underlines the need for change beyond surface‑level tweaks.

Possible scenarios and implications
Given the conjuncture of leadership speculation and squad overhaul, several scenarios could unfold — each with its own implications.

Scenario A: Rizwan retained as ODI (and possibly T20) captain, squad refresh occurs without leadership change
In this scenario, the board and selectors decide that continuity of captaincy is important. They retain Rizwan, but surround him with a younger squad, inject fresh talent, and hand him the tools and support staff he needs to succeed. Implications:

• Signifies trust in Rizwan to deliver on a transition phase.

• The gamble is on improvement in results and culture under his leadership.

• Risk: if results continue to be inconsistent, critics may view this as prolonging the status quo rather than making bold change.

• Benefit: avoids disruption in leadership; gives skipper and players time to gel.

Scenario B: Rizwan replaced by Shaheen Afridi (or another younger leader) for ODI captaincy
Here the board elects to make a more radical break. Shaheen (or potentially another candidate) becomes ODI captain. Implications:

• Signals clear leadership reset and long‑term planning.

• Aligns leadership with younger squad, gives more time for leader to grow.

• But risk: disruption in team dynamics, resistance from senior players, potential for leadership instability if new captain doesn’t deliver or is insufficiently supported.

• Management and support structure must be strong to make this viable.

Scenario C: Mixed leadership model — separate captains for ODIs and T20s, with one of them new
Pakistan could choose to diversify leadership across formats — for instance, keep Rizwan for ODIs but appoint a new T20 captain (or vice versa), or have Afridi in one format. Implications:

• Could allow gradual transition rather than abrupt change.

• But also creates complexity: multiple captains, split leadership approach, potential for confusion and mixed messaging.

• The public speculation already centres on ODI captaincy being under review; if the change happens in T20s instead, the narrative will shift quickly.

Scenario D: No change now, but road‑map announced for future change
The board might use this period to lay down a future plan: announce that a leadership review will happen after certain benchmarks (e.g., Asia Cup or World Cup cycle), giving Rizwan a window but signalling that change is coming. Implications:

• Gives time for stable transition; reduces shock.

• But may also be seen as indecisive, leading to uncertainty among players and media.

• Essentially buys time but may not satisfy those eager for immediate change.

What would the board and selection committee need to consider?
If Pakistan do move ahead with a change, or even if they decide not to, several factors must be carefully managed:

1. Player buy‑in and management alignment. Leadership change must be supported by selectors, coaches and senior players. A captain without full backing creates factionalism.

2. Succession planning. If Rizwan is replaced, what role does he play next? Is he phased out, remains as senior player, or exits altogether? How is leadership transition managed publicly and internally?

3. Communication strategy. Pakistan cricket has suffered from mixed messaging. Mistakes in how the board communicates such a change (rumours allowed to build, leaks unchecked) can cause negativity. Clear, timely announcements reduce speculation and uncertainty.

4. Leadership support structure. New skipper (or existing) needs support: strong coaching, strategic planning, leadership mentoring, role clarity. Domestic system must feed the national team.

5. Alignment with squad composition. The captain, squad, selection policy and coaching must all pull in same direction. Injecting young talent while relying on old leadership can create mismatches in vision and style.

6. Performance trajectory vs. long‑term project. Pakistan must balance between short‑term results (series wins, tournament performance) and long‑term transformation (culture change, young talent development). The leadership decision must consider both.

Potential challenges and pitfalls
As with all leadership changes in sports, there are known pitfalls. For Pakistan specifically:

• Legacy issues. Pakistan cricket has a history of frequent leadership changes, selection controversies and board interference. Each reset raises expectations; if not well managed, it risks repeating past mistakes.

• Senior player unrest. If a popular senior player like Rizwan is removed, it may cause morale issues or public dissent. Managing their transition (benching, mentorship role, etc.) sensitively matters.

• Bowler as captain concerns. If Shaheen becomes captain, being primarily a frontline bowler could pose logistical issues: managing his workload, balancing his bowling duties with leadership responsibilities, fielding positioning while bowling, etc.

• Squad imbalance and impatience. Injecting young players is good, but if change is too rapid without adequate experience amid the squad, the risk is poor results which can set the transition off‑track.

• Public/media expectations. Pakistan’s passionate cricket fan‑base and media will demand immediate improvements. If results don’t improve quickly, criticism will intensify, regardless of long‑term strategy.

What appears to be happening now
From publicly available information, here is what is clear:

• The national selection committee is reportedly finalising the T20 squad, with an official announcement expected soon. The language used suggests emphasis on fresh talent and experience balance.

• Publicly, the PCB has denied there is any active proposal to remove Rizwan as ODI captain. 

• Media outlets and commentators continue to speculate about leadership change, including the possibility of Shaheen Afridi assuming captaincy.

• Pakistan have already made other squad‐related bold moves in recent months: for example, in August 2025 they excluded high‑profile players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the 17‑member squad for the Asia Cup / tri‑series, signalling willingness to shake up the status quo. 

• There is a broader sense of impatience within Pakistan cricket circles for a coherent white‑ball strategy — from brand, performance, talent pipeline, to captaincy roles.

From this vantage point, it appears that Pakistan’s leadership and selection apparatus are in transition mode — perhaps not yet at the tipping point of official change, but definitely in the runway. The next few weeks and months (especially squad announcements, board statements and results on the field) will likely reveal whether this is a rumour that crystallises into action or a speculative echo that dissipates.

What a change would mean for Pakistan’s white‑ball future
Let’s consider the longer‑term implications if Pakistan go ahead with a leadership change in the ODI format (and perhaps T20) and align with youth infusion.

• Rebranding and identity shift. Pakistan cricket has long been associated with unpredictability, raw talent, and pace bowling. A renewed leadership with younger players might accelerate a modern identity: athletic fielding, deeper batting lineup, pace dominance, data‑driven strategy.

• Improved continuity and planning. If a younger skipper takes over now and remains in place for a full World Cup cycle (say 2027), Pakistan could reap benefits of planning, cohesion and culture building — things that have sometimes eluded the team in past decades.

• Talent pipeline momentum. Leadership change coupled with young squad injection signals to domestic players that merit is being rewarded. That can energize the system, improve competition and raise the talent bar overall.

• Market and brand implications. Pakistan’s cricket commercial appeal (broadcast, franchise leagues, global tours) depends not only on star players but on brand of team. A fresh leadership, clearer direction and competitive success would boost global perception.

• Risk of a transitional slump. Of course transitions bring risk. If results suffer badly in the short term, it could undermine morale, fan support and belief. The board must manage expectations: while long‑term gains are desired, there must be a credible short‑term performance base.

Recommendations for Pakistan cricket decision‑makers
Given the scenario and what is known, if I were advising the PCB or selection committee, these would be the key strategic recommendations:

1. Announce a clear roadmap: If leadership change is under consideration, announce the process transparently: e.g., “We are reviewing leadership roles ahead of the 2026 / 2027 cycle” rather than allowing rumours to proliferate. This builds trust and reduces speculation.

2. Align captaincy with squad strategy: If the squad is moving younger, ensure the captain reflects that direction. If Rizwan remains, then his leadership must explicitly adopt youth integration and succession planning in his brief.

3. Provide transition support: If a new captain is appointed, provide mentorship (perhaps former captains, coaches), workload management (especially for a bowler like Shaheen), and continuity of senior players in advisory roles to reduce friction.

4. Stabilise selection and leadership to avoid serial churn: Avoid changing captains every series or tournament. If a new appointment is made, commit to giving the leader a minimum tenure (e.g., a full two‑year cycle) so culture and vision can take root.

5. Manage senior players with dignity: If Rizwan or other senior stalwarts are moved aside, provide them a clear role (mentor, specialist player, domestic stalwart). Allow them to support transition rather than feel discarded.

6. Communicate with fans and media: Use press conferences, board statements, and social media to explain change. Highlight performance vision, squad strategy and long‑term planning, not just reaction to failures.

7. Monitor and evaluate early: While long‑term gains are key, set short‑term performance KPIs (series win at home, major tournament qualification) to maintain accountability and momentum.

Final thoughts
In many ways, Pakistan cricket stands at a cross‑road. The momentum of change is undeniable: from squad composition, to leadership speculation, to selection committee signals that fresh talent is being prioritised. Whether this particular rumour — that Mohammad Rizwan will be removed as ODI captain and Shaheen Afridi will take over — becomes official, only time will tell. But what is clear is the signalling effect: Pakistan is not content to coast on past reputations. They recognise the demands of modern white‑ball cricket, the rising standards of global competitors, and the need for a coherent plan rather than stop‑gap fixes.

If Pakistan do manage the transition well — choosing the right leader, aligning squad direction, and supporting the captain with strong institutional backing — they may set themselves up for a resurgence. On the other hand, if leadership change becomes just another headline without substance, the risk is of fracture, confusion and under‑achievement.

For fans, players and stakeholders, the coming weeks may be critical: the squad announcement, the board’s communications, and subsequent series results will all feed into whether this leadership rumour is the beginning of a new chapter or just another episode of speculation. In any case, the fact that such talk is being taken seriously tells us that Pakistan cricket knows that incremental tweaks won’t suffice. The team appears to be preparing for something more fundamental — and the next captain (and the next generation of players) will matter more than ever.