Despite a wave of speculation and internal reshuffling within Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Rizwan’s position as ODI captain remains secure for now. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that there are no immediate plans to replace Rizwan, even as the team grapples with poor performances, leadership changes, and the exclusion of senior players from the Asia Cup 2025 squad.
The decision comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign and a historic ODI series defeat to the West Indies, which intensified scrutiny over Rizwan’s leadership. While Rizwan has been dropped from the T20I squad for the Asia Cup, PCB officials have confirmed that his ODI captaincy is not under threat—at least for the time being.
🧭 Timeline of Events Surrounding Rizwan’s Captaincy
| Date | Event Description | Impact on Rizwan’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | Rizwan appointed ODI captain after Babar’s resignation | Leadership transition |
| June 2025 | Champions Trophy exit in group stage | Pressure mounts on team management |
| August 2025 | ODI series loss to West Indies | Rizwan’s captaincy questioned |
| August 19, 2025 | Asia Cup squad announced without Rizwan | Dropped from T20Is |
| August 26, 2025 | PCB confirms Rizwan’s ODI captaincy is “safe” | No immediate change planned |
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that selection decisions are made by the committee and advisory body, and that Rizwan’s future will be determined after mutual consultation with the head coach and selectors.
📊 Rizwan’s Performance as ODI Captain
| Series/Tournament | Matches Captained | Wins | Losses | Batting Avg | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs New Zealand (Feb 2025) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 41.3 | 72 |
| Champions Trophy 2025 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.0 | 58 |
| vs West Indies (Aug 2025) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 23.0 | 53 |
While Rizwan’s batting has remained steady, his leadership has come under fire due to tactical missteps and lack of adaptability under pressure.
🔍 PCB’s Clarification and Internal Dynamics
The PCB has denied reports of Rizwan’s imminent removal, stating that no proposal has been tabled to replace him with Salman Ali Agha or Saud Shakeel. The board emphasized that Rizwan’s exclusion from the Asia Cup T20I squad was based on performance metrics and strike rate concerns, not captaincy evaluation.
| PCB Official Statement | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| “Selectors will decide…” | Rizwan’s future hinges on performance review |
| “No proposal to replace…” | Captaincy not under formal discussion |
| “Merit-based selection…” | Rizwan’s T20I exclusion not politically driven |
The PCB also confirmed that Rizwan and Babar Azam have been demoted to Grade B in the latest central contracts list, reflecting their recent form slump.
📉 Asia Cup 2025 Squad: Rizwan and Babar Missing
Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad features a youthful lineup led by Salman Ali Agha, with no place for Rizwan or Babar Azam. The selection signals a shift toward aggressive batting and PSL performers.
| Player Name | Role | Notable Inclusion/Exclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | Captain, Batter | Promoted to lead T20I squad |
| Saim Ayub | Opener | PSL standout |
| Mohammad Haris | Wicketkeeper | Replaces Rizwan |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pacer | Senior bowler retained |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batter | Emerging talent |
The squad will compete in a tri-series with Afghanistan and UAE before the Asia Cup begins on September 12.
🧠 Rizwan’s Career Snapshot and Future Prospects
Mohammad Rizwan has played 94 ODIs, scoring over 3,000 runs at an average of 38.2. He was once considered an all-format mainstay, known for his consistency and temperament. However, his recent form has dipped, especially in high-stakes matches.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 94 | 3,012 | 38.2 | 84.6 | 3 | 24 |
| T20Is | 106 | 3,414 | 47.4 | 125.3 | 1 | 30 |
| Tests | 39 | 1,987 | 34.3 | — | 2 | 12 |
Rizwan has signed with St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots for CPL 2025, using his PCB-approved quota of two foreign T20 leagues. He previously played for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.
🔥 Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Rizwan’s exclusion from the Asia Cup and speculation around his captaincy have dominated headlines. Fans are divided, with some supporting the PCB’s youth-first approach, while others argue that Rizwan’s experience is irreplaceable.
| Platform | Sentiment Summary | Trending Hashtags |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | Mixed reactions, calls for Rizwan’s return | #RizwanODICaptain #AsiaCup2025 |
| YouTube | Vlogs and analysis on Rizwan’s future | #RizwanSnub |
| Fan tributes and CPL updates | #RizwanInCPL |
Former players like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Hafeez have also weighed in, criticizing the team’s lack of intent and calling for a mindset overhaul.
📌 Conclusion
Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI captaincy remains safe for now, despite mounting pressure and exclusion from the Asia Cup T20I squad. The PCB has opted for continuity in the 50-over format, even as it experiments with a younger core in T20Is. Rizwan’s leadership will be tested in upcoming bilateral series and the build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2026.
As Pakistan cricket navigates internal turmoil and public scrutiny, Rizwan’s resilience and performance will determine whether he can reclaim his place as an all-format leader—or fade into the background of a rapidly evolving team.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 28, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or sports advice.
