In a dramatic shift within Pakistan cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly set to replace Mohammad Rizwan as the ODI captain, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares for a major team overhaul ahead of the upcoming South Africa series. The decision, expected to be formalized in the coming days, follows Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, where the team failed to reach the semifinals despite a promising start.
According to PCB insiders, Rizwan’s leadership has come under scrutiny due to tactical missteps, inconsistent batting form, and dressing room dynamics. While Rizwan is likely to retain his place as a key batter, the board is keen to inject fresh energy into the squad by handing the reins to Afridi, whose aggressive style and on-field charisma have impressed selectors and fans alike.
🧠 Key Highlights of Pakistan’s ODI Leadership Change
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Incoming Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Outgoing Captain | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Announcement Timeline | Expected before South Africa series (November 2025) |
| Reason for Change | Champions Trophy exit, tactical concerns |
| Rizwan’s Role | Likely to continue as senior batter |
| Afridi’s Credentials | Former T20I captain, PSL-winning skipper |
| PCB’s Strategy | Youth-led leadership, aggressive ODI rebuild |
Afridi’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring plan that includes new coaching staff, fitness benchmarks, and data-driven selection protocols.
📊 Timeline of Pakistan’s ODI Leadership Evolution
| Year | Milestone Description |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Babar Azam leads ODI and T20I teams |
| 2023 | Rizwan appointed ODI captain after World Cup exit |
| 2024 | Afridi leads T20I side to Asia Cup final |
| October 2025 | PCB considers Afridi for ODI captaincy |
| November 2025 | South Africa series to begin with new leadership |
The PCB is expected to announce a new selection committee and performance director ahead of the series.
🗣️ Reactions from Players, Experts, and Fans
- Former Captain Misbah-ul-Haq: “Afridi has the temperament. Rizwan’s demotion is tactical, not personal.”
- Cricket Analyst: “Pakistan needs bold leadership. Afridi fits the bill.”
- Fans on Social Media: “Shaheen’s aggression is what Pakistan needs in ODIs.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| PCB Officials | Supporting transition for long-term gains |
| Players | Mixed reactions, but backing Afridi’s leadership |
| Experts | Calling for clarity in selection and strategy |
| Fans | Divided but optimistic about Afridi’s captaincy |
Afridi’s leadership style is expected to emphasize pace dominance, fielding intensity, and flexible batting orders.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Rizwan vs Afridi as Captains
| Metric | Mohammad Rizwan (ODIs) | Shaheen Afridi (T20Is) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches as Captain | 18 | 12 |
| Win Percentage | 44% | 58% |
| Major Tournaments | Champions Trophy 2025 | Asia Cup 2024 (Runner-up) |
| Batting Average | 38.2 | N/A |
| Leadership Style | Conservative, anchor-based | Aggressive, pace-centric |
Afridi’s PSL success with Lahore Qalandars has been cited as a key factor in his elevation.
🧭 What to Watch Ahead of South Africa Series
- Squad Announcement: Expected by October 25, with new faces in middle order and pace attack
- Coaching Staff: PCB may appoint foreign consultants for ODI strategy
- Fitness Protocols: Afridi-led team to undergo Yo-Yo tests and workload monitoring
- Team Culture: Emphasis on accountability, performance metrics, and mental conditioning
Pakistan’s first ODI against South Africa is scheduled for November 3, 2025, in Centurion, marking the beginning of a new era.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified media reports, PCB sources, and cricket board updates as of October 19, 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.
