Pakistan Faces Setbacks in ODIs After Overseas Series Successes Against Australia, South Africa

LAHORE: The future of Mohammad Rizwan as the captain for Pakistan’s ODI team will be determined by the national selectors, according to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday.

Rizwan, who took over as Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October 2024, following Babar Azam, began his leadership with a string of victories. The team secured three successive bilateral series wins, including significant away victories against both Australia and South Africa.

However, the team’s performance under Rizwan has since declined, marked by a loss in the tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand, and an early exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on their home ground.

The Green Shirts also encountered defeats in three-match away series against New Zealand and West Indies.

These setbacks have cast doubt on Rizwan’s continuation as captain. PCB Chairman Naqvi addressed these concerns during a media interaction at a private event.

Naqvi stated that the selectors will make any captaincy decisions. He also mentioned that head coach Mike Hesson has provided a report following the team’s defeat against West Indies.

“The decision will be made by selectors. The head coach has turned in his report after our recent ODI series,” Naqvi stated.

“We are reviewing it, and after consulting, we will announce the decision,” he added.

The PCB chairman also addressed the absence of Category A in the recent central contracts for men, attributing it to the national team’s under-par showing.

“The decision was based on performance,” Naqvi explained.