Islamabad: In a significant shift for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced today the appointment of star wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, replacing Babar Azam. The decision, revealed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a press conference, reflects a new direction for the national squad following disappointing performances in recent tournaments. Rizwan will lead Pakistan’s ODI and T20 sides for the upcoming Australia and Zimbabwe tours, beginning with the Australia series on November 4 in Melbourne.
A Strategic Shift Following Consultation with Team Mentors and Staff
Mohsin Naqvi explained that Rizwan’s promotion came after comprehensive discussions with the coaching staff and senior players, with Rizwan emerging as a trusted leader. “We engaged our mentors and team coaches in discussions. Everyone expressed confidence in Rizwan’s ability to lead,” Naqvi said. Joining him as vice-captain is Salman Aga, adding a fresh dynamic to the leadership duo tasked with revitalizing Pakistan’s performance.
Rizwan’s Debut as Captain on Australian Soil: Key Matches and Tour Schedule
Rizwan’s first challenge as captain will be the competitive Australian tour, where Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is. The series kicks off on November 4 in Melbourne, followed by matches in Adelaide on November 8 and Perth on November 10. The T20 series begins shortly after, with games scheduled from November 14 to November 18.
This will be Rizwan’s debut as captain in Australia, a formidable arena where his leadership and batting skills will be put to the test.
Babar Azam Steps Down to Focus on Batting
This change in leadership comes amid Babar Azam’s recent struggles on the field. Facing a challenging period with the bat and pressure after Pakistan’s early exit in both the ODI and T20 World Cups, Azam has chosen to step down to prioritize his batting form. The former captain acknowledged that relinquishing the role allows him to work on his game and return stronger, a move supported by the PCB.
Key Players Reinstated for Australia Tour but Rested for Zimbabwe
In addition to Rizwan’s appointment, PCB confirmed that Babar Azam, alongside pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, would return for the Australia tour, albeit with a break for the Zimbabwe series. The board aims to manage player workload carefully, balancing performance demands with rest as they look toward future tournaments.
This reshuffled lineup and renewed leadership reflect the PCB’s proactive approach, aiming to build momentum as Pakistan steps into a new chapter of white-ball cricket under Rizwan’s captaincy.
