PCB Denies Captaincy Change Rumors

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refuted speculations suggesting changes in Test and ODI captaincy. Sources indicate that claims of Shan Masood’s removal as Test captain and Mohammad Rizwan’s potential dismissal as ODI captain are unsubstantiated.

PCB sources have clarified that there are no active considerations to replace Shan Masood as Test captain with Saud Shakeel. Similarly, reports suggesting Rizwan would be removed from his ODI captaincy role are false. The board stated that Salman Ali Agha is not being considered for the ODI captaincy.

Sources have verified that the selection committee has not engaged in discussions or proposals regarding any changes to the captaincy. Furthermore, the PCB has confirmed that no player’s contract category has been altered.

This clarification was issued following increased speculation on social media platforms about Saud potentially replacing Shan as Test captain and Rizwan’s ODI captaincy being at risk.

Upcoming Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup

The Tri-Nation series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.

  • Pakistan will commence their campaign against Afghanistan at 7:00 PM local time.
  • Each team will face the others twice, with the top two advancing to the final on September 7.

Following the series, Pakistan will participate in the 2025 Asia Cup, starting on September 9 with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Eight teams, split into two groups, will vie for the title.

  • Pakistan is in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman.
  • Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup journey against Oman on September 12, followed by a match against India on September 14, and concluding the group stage against UAE on September 17.

Tri-series schedule (Sharjah Cricket Stadium):
ACC Asia Cup T20 2025 (Pakistan fixtures, Super Fours and Final):