Shaheen Shah Afridi Named Pakistan’s New ODI Captain

News Desk 

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of the Pakistan men’s One-Day International (ODI) team, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.

Shaheen will lead the national side in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

The decision was finalised during a meeting in Islamabad, attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aaqib Javed, and members of the selection committee.

At 25, Shaheen has already established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading pacers across all formats. He has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is, claiming a combined 249 wickets. In 32 Test matches (excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi), he has taken 120 wickets.

Shaheen previously captained Pakistan in five T20 Internationals against New Zealand in early 2024. His leadership in the ODI format marks the next step in his international career as he takes charge of a side aiming to rebuild and strengthen ahead of upcoming major tournaments.