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Shaheen Shah Afridi replaces Mohammed Rizwan as Pakistan's new ODI captain

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Shaheen Shah Afridi named ODI captain

Lahore, 20 October 2025:

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain of the Pakistan men’s ODI team, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today. The left-arm fast bowler will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to take place at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.

Shaheen’s appointment for the upcoming series was finalised today following a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed and members of the selection committee.

The 25-year-old fast bowler has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is, taking a combined 249 wickets. In 32 Tests, excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Shaheen has claimed 120 wickets.

Shaheen has previously led Pakistan in five T20Is against New Zealand in their own backyard in 2024.
 
The captain who led Pakistan Cricket to a series win in Australia and South Africa is replaced whereas a test captain who presided over a test whitewash at home against Bangladesh and a test loss at home against the mighty West Indies and a T20 captain who doesn't even merit a position in the T20 team are allowed to remain as captains.

This sums up everything wrong in Pakistan Cricket
 
I'm all for giving someone a fair chance and I think Rizwan got a fair chance. It would have been one thing if it was just the Champions Trophy debacle but losing bilateral series to New Zealand (missing many key players) and West Indies showed that the team was just on a continual downward trajectory. Losing an ODI series to this West Indies is kinda unforgivable, because they haven't even qualified for the last two ICC 50-over tournaments, and they hammered Pakistan in the last match of that series.
 
Major said:
I have no issues with Shaheen being captain, issue is why was he removed in ther first place jjust to bring in two other guys and now you want to go back to him.
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It made no sense for them to do that considering the fact that Shaheen had only captained one T20I series. And not only that but then they went back to Babar, whose stint as captain had already been a failure.
 
It should be noted that Shaheen Afridi is unable to use the DRS properly even on his own bowling

Now he will be captaining this team

He wasn't even bowling fast until the final of the Asia Cup final. Nobody knows the reason behind it

Expect a close relative of his making decisions about the team, behind the scenes....
 
Shaeen should have replaced salman agha as t20 captain or are the going to do that as well shaeen as white ball all format captain.
 
Under normal circumstances, I'd call it a good decision because Rizwan wasn't fit to bat at No. 4, and as captain, he didn't want to bat at any other position.

But this is the PCB; decisions here aren't based on merit, logic, or sense. They're rooted in corruption and often times based on favoritism or enmity.

This circus will continue, and our dream of building a good team will forever remain a pipe dream.
 
Stupid of Shaheen to accept captaincy also . Should have turned it down after being humiliated by Naqvi in 2024. Was perfect time to give it back to him and support Rizwan
 
Ahmed216 said:
Under normal circumstances, I'd call it a good decision because Rizwan wasn't fit to bat at No. 4, and as captain, he didn't want to bat at any other position.

But this is the PCB; decisions here aren't based on merit, logic, or sense. They're rooted in corruption and often times based on favoritism or enmity.

This circus will continue, and our dream of building a good team will forever remain a pipe dream.
Click to expand...
Can't really build a good team if you lack the system.
 
Asif321 said:
Stupid of Shaheen to accept captaincy also . Should have turned it down after being humiliated by Naqvi in 2024. Was perfect time to give it back to him and support Rizwan
Click to expand...

Its everyone for himself in Pakistan Cricket. No one sticks for another. Everyone saves their own behind.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
I'm all for giving someone a fair chance and I think Rizwan got a fair chance. It would have been one thing if it was just the Champions Trophy debacle but losing bilateral series to New Zealand (missing many key players) and West Indies showed that the team was just on a continual downward trajectory. Losing an ODI series to this West Indies is kinda unforgivable, because they haven't even qualified for the last two ICC 50-over tournaments, and they hammered Pakistan in the last match of that series.
Click to expand...

Salman Ali Agha too lost the T-20 series against NZ, Bangladesh and the Asia Cup Final which had 3 successive losses against India. Shan Masood has a whitewash against Bangladesh at home and a loss to WI in test matches at home. What justification exists for Masood and Agha being allowed to continue in their roles but for Rizwan to be axed.

There were reports that Rizwan was demanding selection powers, authority. It is pretty clear that the PCB feels very comfortable with Yes men in their system.
 
Ahmed216 said:
Under normal circumstances, I'd call it a good decision because Rizwan wasn't fit to bat at No. 4, and as captain, he didn't want to bat at any other position.

But this is the PCB; decisions here aren't based on merit, logic, or sense. They're rooted in corruption and often times based on favoritism or enmity.

This circus will continue, and our dream of building a good team will forever remain a pipe dream.
Click to expand...

Both the decisions are politically driven

Rizwan was made captain because he said complimentary things about Naqvi

Shaheen is being made captain because his relative has criticized a opponent political party's leader and favored the Generals

This is why our cricket is declining
 
What will you do if Shaheen loses couple of upcoming series ? And goes all aggressive in press ? Who’s next in line ? Shadab Khan. ?
 
Asif321 said:
Stupid of Shaheen to accept captaincy also . Should have turned it down after being humiliated by Naqvi in 2024. Was perfect time to give it back to him and support Rizwan
Click to expand...
Savak said:
Its everyone for himself in Pakistan Cricket. No one sticks for another. Everyone saves their own behind.
Click to expand...
That makes no sense? He was ousted as captain for Bobby and now that he's

A) Gotten captaincy

B) Is still nice enough to let babar and rizwan play and isn't hiding behind agendas

Yet he's selfish and its every man for himself 🤣🤣🤣.

What are you on about.
 
Babar got 5 plus years as captain. One year is insufficient time for captaincy. Has to be atleast 2 years minimum. This decision has apparently been made by Hesson and no explanation is being offered as to why Rizwan has been removed. Reporters are reporting that Rizwan's place in the ODI team too is now under threat.
 
I was sympathetic to Shaheen when he was backstabbed by Babar. However he backstabbed Rizwan here and hence therefore no more sympathies with him.
 
Savak said:
Salman Ali Agha too lost the T-20 series against NZ, Bangladesh and the Asia Cup Final which had 3 successive losses against India. Shan Masood has a whitewash against Bangladesh at home and a loss to WI in test matches at home. What justification exists for Masood and Agha being allowed to continue in their roles but for Rizwan to be axed.

There were reports that Rizwan was demanding selection powers, authority. It is pretty clear that the PCB feels very comfortable with Yes men in their system.
Click to expand...
Agha should not be allowed to continue, he doesn't even make the T20 team playing XI based on current form.

Well, I don't go by rumors, I just look at the results, and Pakistan's results have been really poor for the past year. Plus, if you're not confident in someone's leadership then it's better to make a decision like this now, rather than later, because that will give the team management and the captain atleast a year and a half to plan for the World Cup.
 
Strange. Agha was made T20 captain when he probably should have been given ODI captaincy where he has been playing well.

Shaheen, who has been struggling in ODIs off late, given ODI captaincy.
 
Savak said:
I was sympathetic to Shaheen when he was backstabbed by Babar. However he backstabbed Rizwan here and hence therefore no more sympathies with him.
Click to expand...
By you approximation, anyone who becomes captain of the Pakistan cricket team is backstabbing his fellow comrade.
 
Asif321 said:
What will you do if Shaheen loses couple of upcoming series ? And goes all aggressive in press ? Who’s next in line ? Shadab Khan. ?
Click to expand...
Shaheen is our captain for the 2027 World Cup

I back him all the way.
 
Savak said:
I was sympathetic to Shaheen when he was backstabbed by Babar. However he backstabbed Rizwan here and hence therefore no more sympathies with him.
Click to expand...
What nonsense

How has Shaheen backstabbed Rizwan? If you don’t know the details, I suggest you zip it!
 
Rana said:
Shaheen is our captain for the 2027 World Cup

I back him all the way.
Click to expand...
I back Shaheen too and he should never have been removed after just one series.

At this point however, he has been very poor in ODIs. Does he merit a place in the playing XI? Well let's see, I am a bit skeptical but glad we got rid of Rizwan.

Now need to immediately kick out the non-deserving Salman Agha from T20s.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Agha should not be allowed to continue, he doesn't even make the T20 team playing XI based on current form.

Well, I don't go by rumors, I just look at the results, and Pakistan's results have been really poor for the past year. Plus, if you're not confident in someone's leadership then it's better to make a decision like this now, rather than later, because that will give the team management and the captain atleast a year and a half to plan for the World Cup.
Click to expand...
Rizwan has not been removed for results, if that was the case then both Shan and Agha would had been replaced too. As I reported few days back Rizwan's will be replaced by Shaheen because Rizwan does not want to be dummy captain and have some say in selection. PCB does not want anyone who would demand anything. He was unhappy with squad for Championship Trophy but was over ruled.
 
PakPremi said:
Rizwan has not been removed for results, if that was the case then both Shan and Agha would had been replaced too. As I reported few days back Rizwan's will be replaced by Shaheen because Rizwan does not want to be dummy captain and have some say in selection. PCB does not want anyone who would demand anything.
Click to expand...

This basically. Mike Hesson is the one who called the shots here therefore i suspect he had some clashes with Mike Hesson as well.
 
Rana said:
What nonsense

How has Shaheen backstabbed Rizwan? If you don’t know the details, I suggest you zip it!
Click to expand...

I know enough about Pakistan Cricket and how individuals put their own personal self interests ahead of the team. I expect Shaheen to show some solidarity behind his team mate given that he himself knows what it is like to have the captaincy snatched away from him against his will.
 
I want to be captain!

Reminds me of Ijaz Butt era ... when anyone and everyone became a captain.

"Mannu Kaptaan Banao"

"Nai nai Butt Saab, mannu Banao"

"Theek ae puttar, tu ban ja"

Dramaybaaz!
 
PakPremi said:
Rizwan has not been removed for results, if that was the case then both Shan and Agha would had been replaced too. As I reported few days back Rizwan's will be replaced by Shaheen because Rizwan does not want to be dummy captain and have some say in selection. PCB does not want anyone who would demand anything. He was unhappy with squad for Championship Trophy but was over ruled.
Click to expand...

Rizwan definitely not gonna be a puppet dancing on a string for anyone
 
I am alright with this but think Shaheen for T20’s and Agha for ODI’s would have been better.

But with the T20 WC on the horizon they are setting up Agha’s replacement, am not sure how I feel about that because Agha has been a selfless leader.

But the good news is, the Molvi is being carried off the pitch & I can help with that:


33e5469479b037b52f69116139347a19.gif
 
Full support for SSA , hopefully he will stay fit to manage the load. PCB lived upto their reputation , chaotic mgmt. It is
 
Oh man! Just when you think it can’t get more chaotic, PCB surprises you.

Have we ever had a more directionless, clueless and incompetent board? Naqvi has outdone even Ijaz Butt - that too by a huge margin!

Now, can anyone ask how you appoint someone, you recently removed as captain in format, the captain for another? This is just bizarre!

Naqvi the clown.
 
Rana said:
What nonsense

How has Shaheen backstabbed Rizwan? If you don’t know the details, I suggest you zip it!
Click to expand...
He has backstabbed Rizwan bro. Didn't you see him crying to the media about wanting to bat at no 4 :vk2
 
It's interesting to see that all the players who put themselves over the team (except for Agha) are being made captains of white-ball, recently

One indicator is that they all abuse the DRS
 
I hope shaeen does not promote himself to bat at top order he's known for this give him a long run and build a team around him
 
Pakistan cricket is not professional. Having two white-ball captains will result in more groupings

Being a professional cricketer doesn't only mean that the player should get a cheque for playing cricket. It's a two way street. Players also have to perform in every and all conditions. Performance has to be consistent. Players have to keep the spectators and viewers interested through their performances as a group, not as an individuals only. Fans should feel that they are getting their time's and money's worth when they are watching cricketers playing

Players are not delivering the above because of the lack of direction and wide-spread ambiguity in the team. They are too busy doing politics. Politics take over the teams in the presence of doubt.

Right now professional cricket in Pakistan only means players are getting paid. Fans are not getting their time and money's worth.
 
PCB to Shaheen in January 2024: One series is long enough. Get outta here.

PCB to Shaheen in October 2025: Puttar would you like be ODI captain ?

Not against this decision but Mohsin Naqvi makes Ijaz Butt look like Steve Jobs.
 
How long does he last? 3-5 series at best.

Problem is not captaincy per se, its the mindset of every member, everyone seem to be just concerned about their individual accomplishment over team results.

Just watch now that Shaheen is captain, he will act like he is proper allrounder and come 5 down.
 
Without a doubt, PCB has has numerous opportunities to appoint Rizwan as captain of all or various formats, but their was always something about him that they didn't like.

Is it his antics, is it his lack of marketability or is it his lack of leadership ability/brains or all the above. You also have to remember, Rizwan is 33 & at best, probably has another year or two left in him to play for Pakistan.

It also seems like he will probably be dropped out of the format & likely will play just test cricket. He is not part of T20i (finally) & probably ODI which would imply a new wicketkeeper batter will get a chance & should get a lengthy chance at that.

Now, Shaheen taking the captaincy, is a interesting choice. PCB are likely not to be playing much ODIs this year atleast maybe next year ahead of the ODI World Cup. But regardless Shaheen does have a tendency to be little too emotional & injury prone for which he will need to be managed.

Which is why it's surprising he was selected. Babar Azam should not be selected as captain ever again, Agha wasn't helped by the T20 captaincy performances & Shadab Khan is injured. So the senior player was Shaheen or Haris Rauf who is reckless & inconsistent as they come. Fakhar Zaman, doesn't really come across as a captain type as well nor does he have age on his side.
 
Sad day for Pakistan cricket

The guy who defeated Australia and South Africa in their home has been removed

What a joke this country is

Rip Pakistan cricket
 
Alhamdolillah beautiful decision

Thank you Naqvi sab

Thank You Mike Hesson

Thank you Aqib Javed

Love you Pakistan cricket board!
 
Not a bad decision. He should be made T20i captain ASAP too, maybe all-format.
 
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