If there’s one thing more unpredictable than Pakistan’s batting order, it’s their cricket administration. The merry-go-round in Lahore spun yet again on Monday as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain and reappointed Shaheen Shah Afridi, the same man they had sacked less than a year ago. The decision came mid-Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.
Rizwan removed; Shaheen Afridi selected
There was no mention of Rizwan in the PCB’s statement, just a line announcing Afridi’s return as captain for the ODI series against South Africa next month. The move was reportedly decided after a meeting between head coach Mike Hesson and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Rizwan, who led Pakistan to respectable series wins in Australia and South Africa last year, saw his tenure unravel after a disappointing home Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year.
In typical PCB fashion, this is yet another chapter in a saga of confusion and contradictions. They removed Shaheen, then brought him back. Appointed Babar Azam, then removed him. Promoted Rizwan, then dumped him. Hired coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, only to see them walk away weeks later. Introduced the “ One-Day Champions Cup”, then scrapped it. The revolving door of leadership in Pakistan cricket seems to have no logic or long-term vision.
Afridi, 25, now returns with renewed responsibility and some baggage. His previous white-ball stint ended in turmoil after Pakistan’s 4-1 drubbing in New Zealand, but he remains one of the few constants in Pakistan’s bowling lineup. With 45 ODI wickets since the 2023 World Cup, the most by any fast bowler from a Full Member nation, his form isn’t in question.
“A meeting of the selection committee, also attended by Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, decided that Shaheen will lead Pakistan’s ODI side against South Africa,” said a PCB release.
