The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed media reports suggesting that Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to replace Mohammad Rizwan as captain of Pakistan’s ODI team, saying no official decision has been made yet.
Speculation about a potential change in leadership began circulating after several outlets reported that PCB officials were considering appointing Shaheen as ODI captain ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming series against South Africa. The rumors gained traction following Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in the 50-over format this year.
A PCB spokesperson clarified that discussions about the team’s white-ball leadership are ongoing, but no formal meeting or decision has taken place so far. “There is no truth to reports of a captaincy change at this stage,” the spokesperson said, adding that the selection committee and cricket advisory panel will meet later this week to review the team’s recent performances.
Head coach Mike Hesson reportedly requested a joint session between selectors and the advisory board to evaluate the team’s direction before the next ODI assignment. According to sources, the meeting will include discussions on future captaincy options and strategies to rebuild Pakistan’s one-day unit ahead of next year’s ICC tournaments.
Mohammad Rizwan, who took over the ODI leadership earlier this year, has faced mounting pressure following a series of disappointing results, including Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy and home defeats in bilateral series. Despite these setbacks, Rizwan still enjoys strong support within the dressing room, particularly from senior players and coaching staff who value his composure and work ethic.
Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, remains a leading candidate should the PCB opt for a leadership shake-up. The left-arm pacer previously captained Pakistan in T20Is and the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, earning praise for his aggressive, front-from-the-front style of captaincy.
As things stand, no announcement has been made, and the PCB insists all decisions will be based on performance reviews rather than media speculation. The final call on the ODI captaincy is expected after the advisory board’s meeting on October 20.
