Former Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan voluntarily stepped aside to allow Shaheen Shah Afridi to assume the leadership role, the pace spearhead revealed on Monday ahead of Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
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Shaheen’s appointment as captain last month came as a surprise to many, especially since Rizwan had only led Pakistan in five ODI series and an ICC Champions Trophy campaign. While Rizwan struggled during the Champions Trophy, he previously guided Pakistan to notable series victories in Australia and South Africa last year and against the West Indies this year.
Reports had suggested tensions between Rizwan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at the time of his removal, including claims that he had turned down a central contract. Shaheen, however, clarified that the transition was amicable.
“Rizwan was the only person from the team I had a discussion with when I was about to be appointed as captain,” Shaheen said during a press conference. “I asked him how he felt and what he wanted. Rizwan is a good human and he decided himself to take a step back and let me replace him, and that was how the decision was taken.”
Shaheen’s comments shed light on the smooth handover and underline the professional respect between the two cricketers, despite public speculation about internal disagreements. As Pakistan prepares to face Sri Lanka, Afridi now leads the side with Rizwan continuing as a key player in the squad.
The change in leadership reflects the team’s evolving strategy and highlights Rizwan’s willingness to prioritize the squad’s needs over personal ambition, allowing a younger leader to take the reins.
