Pakistan Coach Likely to Urge PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to Remove Mohammad Rizwan as ODI Captain: Report

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly called a joint meeting of the national selection committee and advisory board on Monday in Lahore. In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, had written to Naqvi asking for the meeting to discuss ODI team matters and captaincy.

According to PTI, the meeting suggests that Hesson might push for a change in captaincy as part of his plans. However, it remains to be seen whether his suggestions will be accepted by the PCB officials in Lahore.

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No Decision Yet on ODI Captaincy

“No decision has been taken on the ODI captaincy. The chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has asked the selectors and advisors to meet on Monday to discuss the matter,” the statement said.

There are rumours that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, or Salman Ali Agha — who led Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final — could replace Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain.

PCB Officials to Discuss Captaincy Options

The selectors’ panel includes Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Azhar Ali, while the advisors are former Test players Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikander Bakht. Sarfaraz and Sikander directly report to Naqvi and advise him on all cricket matters.

Rizwan, who has been out of Pakistan’s T20 setup since December 2024 along with Babar Azam, led Pakistan to ODI series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, the team’s form dipped during the home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The struggles continued, as Pakistan lost back-to-back ODI series in New Zealand and the West Indies. Pakistan will now host South Africa for a three-match ODI series on November 4, 6, and 8 as part of their ongoing tour.