In a dramatic twist to Pakistan’s cricketing leadership saga, reports suggest that head coach Mike Hesson is likely to demand the removal of Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain, citing tactical inconsistencies and dressing room unrest. The development comes ahead of a high-stakes Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) meeting convened by chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore, where the future of the ODI setup will be discussed. Rizwan, who took over the captaincy in late 2024, has faced mounting criticism following Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 and a string of underwhelming bilateral performances.
Sources close to the PCB reveal that Hesson has formally requested the meeting to address “leadership clarity and team direction,” and may propose Shaheen Shah Afridi or Babar Azam as potential replacements. Rizwan’s ODI captaincy record stands at 8 wins and 9 losses, with critics pointing to his conservative field placements and lack of adaptability under pressure.
🧠 Key Highlights of Pakistan’s ODI Captaincy Crisis
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Captain | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Coach Involved | Mike Hesson |
| PCB Chairman | Mohsin Naqvi |
| Meeting Date | October 21, 2025 (expected) |
| Captaincy Record | 8 wins, 9 losses |
| Possible Replacements | Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam |
| Trigger Point | Champions Trophy 2025 exit, team cohesion concerns |
Rizwan’s leadership has come under scrutiny for failing to inspire tactical innovation and for reported disagreements with senior players.
📊 Timeline of Rizwan’s ODI Captaincy and Controversies
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | Rizwan appointed ODI captain |
| February 2025 | Pakistan loses ODI series to South Africa |
| June 2025 | Champions Trophy exit in group stage |
| August 2025 | Rizwan dropped from T20I squad |
| October 2025 | Coach Hesson calls for captaincy review |
The PCB has remained tight-lipped, but insiders suggest a leadership change is imminent before the South Africa series in November.
🗣️ Reactions from Players, Experts, and Fans
- Former Captain Misbah-ul-Haq: “Leadership is about results and unity. Rizwan must reflect.”
- Cricket Analyst: “Hesson’s demand signals a deeper structural issue in Pakistan cricket.”
- Fans on Social Media: “Time for fresh energy. Afridi deserves a shot.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| PCB Officials | Reviewing leadership and team dynamics |
| Players | Divided over Rizwan’s tactical style |
| Experts | Calling for bold decisions |
| Fans | Rallying behind Afridi and Babar |
The captaincy debate has reignited discussions on Pakistan’s long-standing leadership instability.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Rizwan vs Potential Replacements
| Metric | Mohammad Rizwan | Shaheen Afridi | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI Captaincy Wins | 8 | N/A | 27 |
| Leadership Style | Conservative | Aggressive | Balanced |
| Team Support | Mixed | High | Strong |
| Tactical Adaptability | Low | Moderate | High |
| Fan Sentiment | Divided | Rising | Stable |
Afridi’s success in PSL and Babar’s previous ODI leadership make them strong contenders.
🧭 What to Watch Ahead of PCB’s Captaincy Decision
- Official Statement: Expected post October 21 meeting
- Team Selection: Squad for South Africa series may reflect leadership change
- Player Reactions: Rizwan’s response and possible resignation
- Coach’s Role: Hesson’s influence on team culture and strategy
The PCB’s decision will shape Pakistan’s ODI roadmap for the 2027 World Cup cycle and could redefine team dynamics.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified media reports, PCB briefings, and cricketing sources as of October 20, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute selection advice, performance prediction, or official PCB commentary and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
