PCB Expected to Announce Major Change in ODI Leadership Soon

The leadership of Pakistan’s ODI side appears to be on the cusp of a major overhaul, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to name a new captain ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa, according to local media sources.

According to journalist Au Rangzab Younis, the PCB has already made plans to replace Mohammad Rizwan, with a familiar name expected to take over the role.

Rizwan’s ODI captaincy has been under scrutiny for some time due to the team’s underwhelming performances in 2025. After being handed the reins in late 2024, his tenure began promisingly with victories over Australia and South Africa on foreign soil. However, a dismal Asia Cup, where Pakistan failed to win a single match, and a series loss to the West Indies have eroded much of the goodwill the wicketkeeper-batter initially enjoyed with the PCB.

Under Rizwan’s leadership, Pakistan has played 21 ODIs, winning just 9 and posting a win percentage of 45%.

As a result, the PCB is reportedly ready to make a change, with Shaheen Afridi emerging as the frontrunner to take over the captaincy. Despite leading Pakistan in five T20Is—with a 1-4 record—Shaheen has never captained the national team in ODIs. His potential appointment would be unexpected, especially given that many in cricketing circles had tipped Salman Ali Agha as the likely successor if Rizwan were to be replaced.

Appointing Shaheen as Pakistan’s ODI captain would signal a strategic shift, one that favors building around a younger core rather than relying on long-standing incumbents.

If the change is confirmed, Rizwan may see his role redefined, possibly retained as a senior player but without the full leadership responsibilities. For Afridi, the challenge will be significant: leading a team in transition while fan expectations remain high.

Sources indicate that the PCB will announce the decision alongside the ODI squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads in one-day cricket. A leadership transition from Rizwan to Shaheen Afridi would reflect the board’s intent to reset at the top and pursue a long-term vision. For cricket fans across the country, the hope remains unchanged: strong leadership, clarity of purpose, and a revitalized campaign that helps Pakistan reclaim its competitive edge on the global stage.