Mike Hesson’s role exposed in ‘Palestine-linked’ plot behind Mohammad Rizwan’s sacking

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday appointed pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the ODI skipper, just weeks before Pakistan’s ODI series against South Africa begins on November 4. Mohammad Rizwan was sacked after a meeting between head coach Mike Hesson and the selection committee in Islamabad.

Shaheen will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. The PCB made the announcement shortly after the opening day of the ongoing Test between the two sides in Rawalpindi. Notably, the board did not mention the reason behind Mohammad Rizwan’s removal.

Mohammad Rizwan Removed as ODI Captain Amid Declining Form

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, head coach Mike Hesson had requested chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold a meeting with the selection and advisory committee to decide on new leadership.

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The move wasn’t initiated solely by Hesson but had strong backing from senior PCB officials. The final decision was made in Islamabad after discussions involving Hesson and the selection panel.

Rizwan began his captaincy with Pakistan securing ODI series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, the team’s performance declined in recent months, winning only one of their last nine ODIs and enduring a winless Champions Trophy campaign.

Mohammad Rizwan Carried the Flag of Palestine - Rashid Latif Slams Mike Hesson

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed his concerns over Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI skipper. The former wicketkeeper-batter also stated that Mike Hesson didn’t like Rizwan carrying the flag of Palestine.

“I got to know that Rizwan is no longer the captain. If he carried the flag of Palestine, is that the reason you removed him as captain? It seems this mindset has developed — that in an Islamic country, a non-Islamic captain will take charge."

"Mike Hesson gave these directions. Maybe he didn’t appreciate our culture. He was in the dressing room — why can’t I understand these people? They have a group of five or six members who seem determined to end our culture.”

According to Rashid Latif, Mohammad Rizwan has been removed from the captaincy because he spoke openly for Palestine and Mike Hesson didn’t like the culture he brought to the dressing roompic.twitter.com/YUoKfsqz8q

— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 20, 2025

Shaheen Shah Afridi Last Led Pakistan in a T20I Series in New Zealand

Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s T20I team to a 4–1 series defeat against New Zealand in January 2024 before being replaced by Babar Azam. He now has another opportunity to lead the ODI side. The left-handed batter will be hoping to continue his role until the 2027 World Cup.

Following Pakistan’s heavy losses to India in the Asia Cup 2025, where Salman Agha faced criticism, Afridi is also a strong contender to take over the T20I captaincy.

Rizwan averaged nearly 42 runs per innings as ODI skipper. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa in 2024, but their form later dipped, including an early exit at the home Champions Trophy.

Shaheen was Pakistan’s top wicket-taker last year and played a key role in their series victories in South Africa and Australia. Since the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from a Full Member nation has claimed more wickets than Afridi’s 45.

Also read: No one's safe in Indian Cricket: Matthew Hayden's full-blown tirade on Gautam Gambhir