ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi will take over as the country’s new One-Day International (ODI) captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan after a string of poor performances in recent series.
The decision was made during a key meeting attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and members of the national selection committee in Islamabad.
Shaheen’s rise as Pakistan’s premier fast bowler
At just 25 years old, Shaheen Afridi already holds an impressive record in the 50-over format. Since making his international debut in 2018, the left-arm pacer has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs, claiming 131 wickets at an average of 24.28.
Over the years, he has cemented his position as Pakistan’s frontline fast bowler, known for his pace, swing, and ability to deliver early breakthroughs. Afridi also made a mark during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he took 18 wickets, standing out as one of the tournament’s leading bowlers.
Shaheen previously captained Pakistan’s T20I side in early 2024, during a five-match home series against New Zealand, which ended level at 2-2.
Rizwan’s brief but notable captaincy stint
Mohammad Rizwan had assumed Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy in October 2024, leading the team to immediate success. His tenure began with a historic ODI series victory over Australia, marking Pakistan’s first bilateral series win on Australian soil in 22 years.
Rizwan’s early months as captain also saw Pakistan notch up an impressive 3-0 sweep against South Africa and a 2-1 series win over Zimbabwe, which seemed to solidify his leadership credentials.
However, the team’s momentum faltered in 2025, beginning with a tri-series loss at home to New Zealand. The slide continued into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan failed to progress beyond the group stage, finishing at the bottom of a pool featuring New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh.
Series losses and the turning point
Pakistan’s struggles deepened during their subsequent ODI tour of New Zealand, where they suffered a 3-0 whitewash. Rizwan’s final assignment as captain came in the home series against the West Indies, where despite winning the opening match, Pakistan went on to lose the series 2-1.
The final game proved to be decisive. Pakistan were bowled out for just 92 runs, suffering a crushing 202-run defeat — one of their heaviest losses in recent years. This result reportedly convinced the PCB that a leadership change was necessary ahead of upcoming assignments.
New era under Shaheen Afridi
With Afridi now appointed as ODI captain, expectations are high for a fresh start under his leadership. Known for his aggressive mindset and on-field composure, Shaheen brings youthful energy and tactical awareness to the role.
Cricket analysts believe his close working relationship with Pakistan’s young bowling core — including Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf — could play a pivotal role in rebuilding the team’s confidence and competitiveness in white-ball cricket.
Shaheen’s immediate challenge will be to unite the side and prepare for Pakistan’s upcoming home ODI series, which will serve as an early test of his captaincy credentials.