Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named the new captain of Pakistan’s men’s One-day International team, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday. The pace spearhead will lead the side in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, replacing wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan.
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Rizwan, who had been handed the captaincy in 2024, led Pakistan to series wins in South Africa, Australia, and Zimbabwe early in his tenure. However, a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy campaign followed by series losses in New Zealand and the West Indies apparently prompted the PCB to make the change.
For Shaheen, this appointment marks his second stint as Pakistan’s ODI captain. He previously led the team for a brief spell in five T20Is against New Zealand in late 2023, after replacing Babar Azam following a disappointing World Cup campaign. At 25 years old, Shaheen brings leadership experience from captaining Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League over the last few years.
The decision was confirmed after a meeting in Islamabad attended by Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed, and members of the selection committee. Hesson appears to have backed Shaheen as Pakistan’s leader in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.
Shaheen has played 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is, taking a combined 249 wickets, while claiming 120 wickets in 32 Tests excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa. His experience and consistent performances with the ball make him a strong choice for leading the side in the white-ball format.
The PCB, under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi since February 2024, has frequently changed captains in recent years. Shaheen was initially removed from captaincy to reinstate Babar Azam as the white-ball skipper in early 2024. Later, following Pakistan’s poor showing in the T20 World Cup, Babar stepped down, and Rizwan was appointed captain before Shaheen’s recent return to the role.
With the South Africa series approaching, Shaheen Afridi will now aim to stabilize Pakistan’s ODI team, provide leadership on and off the field, and guide the Green Shirts toward a strong campaign leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
