Shaheed Afridi has been appointed as the new ODI captain for their upcoming series with South Africa. Image credit: Getty Images
(The Post News) – Pakistan have appointed fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain on Monday for their upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, marking the third change in leadership for the format in just a year.
The 25-year-old replaces Mohammad Rizwan, who had stepped into the role last October following Babar Azam’s resignation. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaheen’s appointment was confirmed during a meeting in Islamabad, which was also attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
“A meeting of the selection committee, also attended by Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, decided that Shaheen will lead Pakistan’s ODI side against South Africa,” the PCB said in a statement.
The three ODIs are scheduled for November 4, 6, and 8, all taking place in Faisalabad.
Rizwan’s captaincy started promisingly, guiding Pakistan to a historic 2-1 series win in Australia, their first in 22 years, followed by a 3-0 sweep over South Africa at home and a 2-1 victory in Zimbabwe. However, things began to unravel this year when Pakistan lost the tri-series finale to New Zealand and then failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Champions Trophy in February.
Rizwan’s toughest moment came during the West Indies tour, where Pakistan suffered a 2-1 defeat, their first series loss in the Caribbean in 34 years.
Shaheen has captained Pakistan before, leading the T20 side in a five-match series against New Zealand in early 2024, though that stint ended in a 4-1 defeat, after which he was relieved of the role.
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