Pakistan has once again reshuffled its ODI captaincy, naming fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new leader for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa. This marks the third change in leadership for the format within the past 12 months, highlighting a turbulent period for the team’s captaincy.
Pakistan named Shaheen Afridi as captain for next month’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, marking the third leadership change in the format over the past 12 months. (Image credit: X)
The 25-year-old Afridi steps into the role, taking over from Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed ODI captain last October after Babar Azam’s resignation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Shaheen’s appointment following a selection committee meeting in Islamabad. The committee, which included Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, concluded that Shaheen would lead the ODI side against South Africa.
The three-match ODI series is scheduled for November 4, 6, and 8, with all matches set to take place in Faisalabad.
Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy started promisingly, securing a historic 2-1 series victory in Australia in November 2024—Pakistan’s first there in 22 years. His leadership also saw a dominant 3-0 whitewash of South Africa at home and a 2-1 series triumph in Zimbabwe.
However, 2025 brought significant challenges for Rizwan. Pakistan lost the home tri-series final to New Zealand and made an early exit from the Champions Trophy in February. His most notable setback occurred in the West Indies, where Pakistan suffered a 2-1 series defeat, their first in the Caribbean in 34 years.
Shaheen Afridi previously had a brief stint as captain, leading Pakistan in five Twenty20 internationals in New Zealand in January last year. However, he was relieved of that duty after the team endured a 4-1 series loss.