The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to replace Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of the One-Day International (ODI) team ahead of the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, which is set to take place from November 4 to 8 at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
As per the sources, head coach Mike Hesson has started discussions aimed at focusing on the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is the leading candidate to take over the captaincy, with former captain Babar Azam and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha also being considered. Sources indicate that Afridi has requested assurances and autonomy in his role until 2027.
Mohammad Rizwan's status as Pakistan ODI captain has been plunged into doubt by the PCB after a statement released by the board said it was "yet to finalise a captain" for the upcoming series against South Africa
Details: https://t.co/RR8TwRViOS pic.twitter.com/WUOsJd152i
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 18, 2025The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that no final decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, Hesson has urged Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to convene a joint Selection and Advisory Committee meeting on October 20 to finalise the appointment of the captain.
Read: Pakistan to Name New ODI Captain for South Africa Series in November 2025
Rizwan led Pakistan to ODI series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in 2024 but struggled in 2025, exiting early in the ICC Champions Trophy and losing to New Zealand and West Indies. His T20I captaincy ended earlier, with Agha taking over.
The captaincy change signals PCB’s strategic shift for long-term success. The South Africa series tests new leadership.
