Mohammad Rizwan ODI captaincy Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 remains in doubt after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that it has “yet to finalise a captain” for the upcoming ODI series. The announcement comes amid growing speculation about leadership reshuffles in Pakistan cricket.
PCB Delays Decision on ODI Captain
Rizwan, who took over Pakistan’s ODI leadership last year, has overseen several notable series wins — including victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, a string of disappointing results in 2025, including an early Champions Trophy exit and a series defeat in the West Indies, has put his position under scrutiny.
The PCB confirmed that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has called for a selection committee meeting to determine Pakistan’s captain for the upcoming home series against South Africa.
“The decision will be made collectively after discussions with selectors and management,” said a PCB spokesperson.
Rizwan’s Strong Form Amid Leadership Uncertainty
Despite doubts about his future, there appears to be no performance-based reason to remove Rizwan. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 361 ODI runs in 2025, averaging over 36, making him Pakistan’s second-highest scorer this year.
He also played a pivotal role in the ongoing Test series against South Africa, contributing 75 runs in a 163-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha to secure Pakistan’s 1-0 series lead.
However, the PCB’s statement — that no captain has been confirmed — strongly hints that a change is imminent.
Parallels with Shaheen Afridi’s Captaincy Exit
The current situation mirrors the Shaheen Shah Afridi T20I controversy, where he was replaced by Babar Azam shortly after Mohsin Naqvi became PCB chairperson. Afridi had captained just one series before being removed without a clear explanation — a move that sparked criticism among fans and pundits alike.
Observers believe Rizwan could face a similar fate, with the board’s silence suggesting it may prefer to reinstate Babar Azam or hand leadership to another senior player like Imam-ul-Haq or Shadab Khan.
Hesson’s Influence and Selection Committee Role
While Mike Hesson plays a major advisory role, he does not hold final authority over captaincy appointments. His involvement, however, signals that the board is weighing the leadership decision carefully, with input from both selectors and team management.
The selection committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, and a formal announcement is expected soon after.
With Pakistan looking to rebuild after a mixed 2025 season, this decision could shape their long-term white-ball future — both in strategy and leadership.
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