Shaheen Shah Afridi Takes the Helm as Pakistan’s ODI Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as the captain of the national One Day International (ODI) team.

At 25 years old, Shaheen will lead Pakistan in the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa, taking place from November 4 to 8 at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. He succeeds Mohammad Rizwan, who had been serving as captain since his appointment on October 27 last year.

Rizwan had a successful start as skipper, securing series victories in South Africa, Australia, and Zimbabwe. However, recent failures, including a disappointing Champions Trophy performance, prompted the PCB to make a change in leadership.

The PCB stated that Shaheen’s appointment for the upcoming series was finalized today during a meeting in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by the white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and members of the selection committee.

Previously, Shaheen led the national team in early 2024 during a five-match home series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 1-4. As a left-arm pacer, he has played in 66 ODIs for Pakistan, taking 131 wickets with an average of 24.28.

Published on October 20, 2025.