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Why Shaheen Shah Afridi Is News Pakistan’s ODI Captain; Rizwan Steps Down!

Why Shaheen Shah Afridi Is News Pakistan’s ODI Captain; Rizwan Steps Down!

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of the national One Day International (ODI) team. He replaces wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who led the side in both ODIs and T20Is since October 2024.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, attended by Head Coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aaqib Javed, and members of the National Selection Committee. The move comes as Pakistan prepares for a home ODI series against South Africa, scheduled from November 4 to 8 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, Pakistan played 20 ODIs, winning nine and losing eleven, resulting in a 45 percent win ratio. His T20I tenure also faced challenges, including four consecutive defeats, which led the PCB to appoint Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

At 25 years old, Shaheen Shah Afridi brings significant experience and talent to the leadership role. Since his international debut, he has played 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is, taking a total of 249 wickets across both formats. In Tests, Afridi has claimed 120 wickets in 32 matches, demonstrating his consistency and skill across formats.

Afridi previously captained Pakistan in five T20Is against New Zealand in early 2024. Despite losing the series 4-1, his leadership was praised for an aggressive style and strong on-field presence.

The upcoming series against South Africa will be Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first major assignment as ODI captain. Matches will be played at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, a venue known for spin-friendly pitches and enthusiastic crowds. The series is expected to test Pakistan’s new leadership setup and help the team build momentum ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

In other news read more about 38-Year-Old Asif Afridi Makes Historic Pakistan Test Debut

Analysts believe Afridi’s pace, experience, and strategic approach could inject fresh energy into Pakistan’s ODI squad. Fans will watch closely to see how the young pacer manages the responsibilities of captaincy while continuing to deliver with the ball.

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Ahmer Nadeem

Ahmer is an experienced digital media journalist, equally skilled in covering parliament and breaking stories. With expertise spanning culture, politics, technology, and human interest, he brings depth and diversity to his reporting. His versatility extends to lifestyle and arts, making him a dynamic storyteller driven by accuracy, insight, and impact.
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Ahmer Nadeem

Journalist
Ahmer is an experienced digital media journalist, equally skilled in covering parliament and breaking stories. With expertise spanning culture, politics, technology, and human interest, he brings depth and diversity to his reporting. His versatility extends to lifestyle and arts, making him a dynamic storyteller driven by accuracy, insight, and impact.

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