Rizwan’s leadership faces uncertainty as the board weighs its options for the coming challenge
Mohammad Rizwan looks on. PHOTO: ICC
The Pakistan Cricket Board has clarified that no decision has been made yet regarding the captaincy of the national team for the upcoming One Day International series against South Africa.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) press release, head coach Mike Hesson has formally written to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, recommending that a joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Advisory Committee be convened to finalize the captain for the series.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has referred the letter to the selection and the advisory committees which will meet up on October 20, during which the final decision on the ODI captaincy is expected to be made.
Earlier, rumors suggested that Mohammad Rizwan’s future as Pakistan’s ODI captain is uncertain ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa.
Rizwan, appointed last year, led Pakistan to ODI series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa but faced setbacks this year, including a Champions Trophy exit and a series loss in the West Indies. Despite the dip in team results, Rizwan remains in form, scoring 361 ODI runs this year at an average of over 36.
The situation mirrors Shaheen Shah Afridi’s removal as T20I captain earlier in 2024 under PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. With the matter now forwarded to the Selection and Advisory Committees, the final call on the ODI captaincy will be made after the October 20 meeting.