Pakistan Cricket Faces Leadership Changes As Shaheen Afridi Becomes New ODI Captain

Constant Captaincy Switches Cause Uncertainty

Pakistan cricket has experienced three captains within 12 months, demonstrating instability in the team. Shaheen Shah Afridi is now the new ODI captain after replacing Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan, who became captain last October, was stripped of the role. Pakistan cricket enthusiasts are showing frustration, accusing PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi of making changes in leadership without consistency or evident planning.

Naqvi’s actions have been under scrutiny before. During his tenure as ACC Chairman, he faced criticism for his handling of the Asia Cup presentation ceremony, where he reportedly took the winner’s cup and medals away from the stage to his hotel room. The incident damaged his public image and continues to be discussed among cricket followers.

Three Captains in One Year

Babar Azam resigned as ODI captain in October last year, and Mohammad Rizwan succeeded him. With Rizwan as captain, Pakistan registered a historic 2–1 ODI series victory in Australia — their first in 22 years. The team then suffered a string of disappointing performances. They were thrashed 3–0 by South Africa in a home series, lost a tri-series, and were eliminated in the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy. Also, they were defeated 2–1 by the West Indies, Pakistan's first series loss in the Caribbean after 34 years.

In response to these performances, the Pakistan Cricket Board made a decision to induct Shaheen Afridi as the new captain of the ODIs, with the aim of instilling stability and new energy into the team.

Future Series and Future Prospects

Shaheen Afridi will start his captaincy with a three-match ODI series against South Africa on November 4 in Faisalabad. It will be his first major challenge as captain. Afridi had led Pakistan in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January last year. Pakistan lost that series 4–1, and Afridi was stripped of the T20 captaincy.

Now, as he takes over the ODI leadership mantle, experts opine his stint could also be brief if performances do not pick up. The constant change of captains has led to queries over the Pakistan Cricket Board's long-term plan and its seriousness towards team consistency.