Mohammad Rizwan all but confirmed as new Pakistan white-ball captain

The premier Pakistan National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is all set to take over as the skipper of the white-ball team, according to multiple reports.

Rizwan is one of the best modern-day players of the Pakistan National Cricket Team and he has delivered consistent performances for his team across all three formats of the game.

Pakistan's White-ball Captaincy Position Vacant Since Babar Azam Stepped Down

Babar Azam recently announced his decision to step down from the white-ball captaincy to send shockwaves across the cricket fraternity. It was the second time in 12 months that Babar quit the captaincy.

After the failure of the Pakistan National Cricket Team in the ODI World Cup 2023, Babar Azam was sacked as the white-ball skipper, and he himself relinquished the red-ball captaincy.

PCB named Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi as new Test and T20I captains, but no ODI skipper was named at that time.

Just after one series, Shaheen Afridi was sacked, and Babar was reinstated as the T20I skipper, and it was expected he would take over the captaincy duties in ODIs, too. However, before Pakistan's first assignment in 50-over cricket since the ODI World Cup, Babar resigned from captaincy.

Why Is Mohammad Rizwan The Front-runner To Become Pakistan White-ball Captain?

As per a report in PTI, the Pakistan selectors Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema have held meetings with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and had discussions with the white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten regarding the new skipper.

According to a source, Mohammad Rizwan is seen as the perfect successor to Babar Azam because of his seniority, reliability, and experience.

"The third Test against England finishes on 28th October, and the squad has to leave for Australia the next day, so the selectors would be announcing the white ball squad by Sunday," a reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

"Rizwan, because of his seniority, his reliability as a player and because of his experience of leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL, is a front-runner to become white-ball captain," the source said.

Notably, the selection committee has already had discussions with Rizwan and sought his willingness to become the new skipper of the side.

The selectors are also keen to have some new young players - PCB source

Pakistan National Cricket Team are currently involved in the three-match Test series against England National Cricket Team, and after the conclusion of the series, they will travel to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

The Men In Green will be playing nine ODIs and as many T20Is in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, along with the two-match Test series against the Proteas.

In the upcoming white-ball matches, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are all set to make their international cricket comeback after being recently released from the Test squad for the remainder of the Tests against England. Also, some new players are set to get opportunities on the upcoming tours.

"The selectors are also keen to have some new young players in the squad so there is every likelihood they might announce different squads for the three tours to give exposure to more players and also rest to seniors," the source added.