Published on: Oct 21, 2025 5:26 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 21, 2025 5:26 pm IST
The musical chair of Pakistan’s ODI captain election has now led to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s appointment as the next ODI skipper. In a significant leadership shake-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed the left-arm pacer as the new captain of the national ODI team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. The decision comes ahead of Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 4 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
This marks Afridi’s second stint as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, having previously led the side in a brief T20I series against New Zealand in early 2024, which the team lost 1-4. His appointment reflects the PCB’s continued search for stability and long-term leadership in the ODI format, which has seen three different captains in the past 12 months.
Rizwan’s removal, while not entirely unexpected, has sparked debate across the cricketing fraternity. Despite initial success, leading Pakistan to ODI series wins in South Africa, Australia, and Zimbabwe, his recent failures, including a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and bilateral series losses to New Zealand and West Indies, led to mounting pressure. According to reports, Rizwan’s stance against endorsing betting companies also clashed with PCB’s commercial interests, further complicating his tenure.
Shaheen Afridi, 25, has been a standout performer for Pakistan across formats and has captained Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with notable success. His aggressive style, tactical acumen, and popularity among fans make him a compelling choice to lead Pakistan into a new era. Afridi’s leadership credentials were further validated during his PSL campaigns, where he guided Lahore to back-to-back titles.
The PCB confirmed Afridi’s appointment following a selection committee meeting attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and other senior officials. The board emphasized the need for a fresh approach and a leader who could inspire the team ahead of the 2026 ICC ODI World Cup cycle.
Afridi’s first assignment will be a litmus test of his leadership skills. The upcoming series against South Africa is crucial not just for team morale but also for Pakistan’s ODI rankings and preparation for future ICC events. With a young squad and several players vying for permanent spots, Afridi’s ability to manage expectations and deliver results will be closely watched.
This series will be Afridi’s first major test as ODI captain, with Pakistan aiming to rebuild momentum and climb the ICC rankings. The spotlight will be on Afridi’s leadership style, team combinations, and ability to inspire a squad in transition.
Reacting to the news, Afridi expressed gratitude and determination.
“It’s an honor to lead Pakistan. I’ll give my best to unite the team and play fearless cricket,” he said in a brief statement.
As Pakistan cricket continues to navigate leadership transitions, Afridi’s appointment signals a bold move toward rejuvenation. Whether he can bring consistency and success to a side that has struggled with direction remains to be seen. For now, the spotlight is firmly on Shaheen Shah Afridi as he steps into one of the most scrutinized roles in international cricket.