The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new One Day International (ODI) captain, replacing Muhammad Rizwan. The announcement comes just days before Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, set to take place in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. The decision was finalized after a meeting in Islamabad attended by national selectors, advisory board members, and Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson.

While the PCB did not issue an official reason for the leadership change, sources within the board revealed that Mike Hesson’s recommendation strongly influenced the final decision. Hesson, who took over as white-ball coach earlier this year, is believed to have suggested a shift in leadership to bring a fresh approach and new energy to the team. The change, however, has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and analysts, many of whom were surprised by the timing and manner of the announcement.

Muhammad Rizwan, who has led Pakistan in 20 ODIs, achieved mixed results during his tenure. Under his captaincy, Pakistan won nine matches and lost eleven. His leadership saw series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, along with some competitive performances in the ICC Champions Trophy. However, Pakistan’s inconsistent results on tours to New Zealand and the West Indies drew criticism. Despite this, many experts argue that Rizwan’s leadership record was reasonable, and his sudden removal raises questions about the PCB’s long-term planning.

At just 25 years old, Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of Pakistan’s most recognized cricketers. With 66 ODIs, 92 T20Is, and 32 Test matches to his name, he brings valuable international experience and a reputation for consistency. Known for his pace and ability to take key wickets, Afridi’s leadership is expected to bring renewed motivation to Pakistan’s ODI squad. His appointment marks a new phase in the team’s journey, as fans and selectors hope his passion and discipline will inspire the younger players to perform at their best.

The leadership shift has divided opinion within Pakistan’s cricket community. Some experts believe that Shaheen Afridi’s energy and aggressive style will help rejuvenate the team, while others question whether Rizwan’s dismissal was necessary. Cricket commentator Omair Alavi stated that Rizwan’s 45 percent win rate as captain did not justify such a sudden change, especially given his success in challenging overseas series. Former players and fans have also expressed concern about whether the change reflects deeper internal differences within the PCB.

Another sensitive factor linked to Rizwan’s removal relates to his religious influence in the team. Reports suggest that some officials and players were uncomfortable with Rizwan’s emphasis on faith during team activities. He often encouraged players to pray together and arranged prayer sessions at hotels during tours. While many admired his sincerity, some insiders felt this created discomfort within the squad. This situation drew comparisons to former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who faced similar issues during his leadership from 2004 to 2007.

The final decision to appoint Shaheen Afridi reportedly involved several key figures, including selectors Aaqib Javed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Misbah-ul-Haq. Alongside advisory board members, they reviewed both players’ performances and leadership styles. After detailed discussions, their recommendation was approved by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB hopes Afridi’s appointment will bring stability and forward-looking leadership to Pakistan’s ODI team as it prepares for future international tournaments.

The announcement has led to a mix of excitement and criticism. Many fans expressed optimism about Afridi’s leadership, viewing it as an opportunity to rebuild team morale and direction. However, others voiced frustration over the lack of transparency in the PCB’s decision-making. Former player Ahmed Shehzad commented that using religion as a reason for judging a captain’s performance was “unfortunate and unfair.” Despite the controversy, Shaheen Afridi remains focused on his new challenge. His leadership will be tested immediately against South Africa, as Pakistan aims to start the series on a positive note.

As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming ODI series, the spotlight is firmly on Shaheen Afridi. His ability to handle pressure, unite the team, and deliver results will determine the success of his captaincy. For Rizwan, the decision may come as a setback, but his experience and dedication remain valuable to Pakistan cricket. With a strong squad and a new leader, the upcoming series will mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in Pakistan’s ODI journey—one that fans hope will bring renewed success and consistency under Shaheen Afridi’s leadership.