Lahore, Pakistan , 21 October (H.S.): In a landmark move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced a change in the leadership of the national one-day side, removing Mohammad Rizwan from the captaincy and appointing fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain.

The declaration followed the opening day of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, where both Rizwan (33) and Afridi (25) were in action.The PCB’s official statement did not name Rizwan or specify a reason for his removal. It simply said the decision was made after a meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and White-ball coach Mike Hesson. Sources indicate the move enjoyed broad support at the highest levels of the board, and was not solely a recommendation from the coach.

Historically, Afridi had previously captained the side in the T20 format in January 2024 against New Zealand, a tenure that ended after a 4-1 series defeat and a subsequent return of the captaincy to Babar Azam. Pakistan continues to operate with a policy of separate captains across formats.

Rizwan, who was elevated to ODI captain last year, led Pakistan to series victories in Australia and South Africa, though this year has witnessed a decline in performances, especially after a disappointing early exit from the Champions Trophy.

Rizwan’s personal returns, however, remain respectable, as he is among Pakistan’s top run-scorers, averaging close to 42. Afridi, meanwhile, is in stellar form, finishing last year as Pakistan’s lead wicket-taker. His contributions were pivotal in recent series wins in South Africa and Australia, and his tally of 45 wickets since the 2023 World Cup stands competitive among elite fast bowlers.

Under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistan’s first ODI series post-change is a three-match clash against South Africa slated for Faisalabad next month.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar