Pakistan cricket is facing a potential leadership shake-up, with reports suggesting that Mohammad Rizwan is likely to lose his ODI captaincy and Salman Ali Agha may be replaced as the T20I captain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering these changes as part of a broader overhaul, with an eye toward the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rizwan's ODI Captaincy Under Scrutiny Mohammad Rizwan's position as ODI captain is under review due to the team's underwhelming performance in 2025. While he led Pakistan to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, recent results have been disappointing. These include a home tri-series final loss to New Zealand, an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, and a series defeat against the West Indies. Despite these setbacks, Rizwan's individual performance has been solid, as he is Pakistan's second-highest ODI scorer this year, with 361 runs at an average above 36.
The PCB has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the ODI captaincy for the upcoming series against South Africa. However, a PCB spokesperson stated that head coach Mike Hesson has formally requested a joint meeting of the selection committee and advisory committee to finalize the captaincy. This meeting is scheduled to occur on October 20.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is a frontrunner to potentially replace Rizwan as ODI captain. Other potential candidates include Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha. Sources indicate that the leading candidate for captain has sought assurances and a free hand until the 2027 World Cup.
Salman Agha's T20I Captaincy in Doubt Salman Ali Agha's T20I captaincy is also reportedly in jeopardy following Pakistan's three consecutive losses to India in the Asia Cup 2025. Shadab Khan is the likely replacement for Agha as T20I captain. This change is expected to be implemented once Shadab recovers from shoulder surgery next month.
Agha's individual performance in the Asia Cup was poor, scoring only 72 runs in seven matches with an average of 12. His captaincy decisions also faced criticism.
PCB's Overhaul and Future Strategy These potential captaincy changes reflect the PCB's intent to reset team strategy and strengthen performance ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board hopes that new leadership will bring tactical clarity and renewed confidence. The PCB has made wholesale changes since February 2024. These include removing Shaheen as captain to bring back Babar Azam as white-ball skipper in the first half of 2024.
The PCB is also planning major changes to the central contracts for players. These changes will likely include significant reshuffling in Category D, with several players set to be dropped and new players included. The PCB is emphasizing merit-based selection, regional performance, and developmental inclusivity.
The constant changes in captaincy have led to instability. Since 2019, Pakistan has seen multiple leadership changes across formats. Some believe that the PCB needs to provide trust, time, and backing to the captain.
