Mohammad Rizwan backstabbed by Babar Azam, Pakistan ODI captaincy gone
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Pakistan ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be removed from his role as the captain of the side, as head coach Mike Hesson has asked for a meeting of the selection committee to make some changes to the Pakistan setup. Likely, three players, including former skipper Babar Azam, are in contention for the spot.
Pakistan is currently hosting South Africa for a two-match Test series, which will be followed by an ODI as well as a T20I series. Shan Masood continues to remain the Pakistan Test skipper after some strong backing from Mohsin Naqvi. He has even handed the Men in Green a strong start in the WTC.
However, considering Pakistan's unfortunate run in the 50-over format, speculations have risen over the snub of former skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who led Pakistan since October 2024, but was soon snubbed from the T20I format, and the captaincy was handed to Salman Ali Agha from Mohammad Rizwan.
Mike Hesson wrote to the PCB Chairman asking for a joint meeting of the Pakistan Cricket forces
Ever since Mike Hesson took over as the Head coach of the Pakistan team, he has been making some tough calls on behalf of the team, and they have so far led to large-scale advantages. Pakistan, who were knocked out of the home league stage of the Champions Trophy, reached the finals of the Asia Cup 2025.
Mike Hesson has been reported to have written to the Pakistan Cricket Board's chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, to arrange for a joint meeting of both the Selection and the advisory committees to finalise the ODI captaincy and most likely take it away from Mohammad Rizwan ahead of the South Africa series.
Mohammed Rizwan had a terrible run in the Champions Trophy, where Pakistan was knocked out after not winning a single game in the group stages. Their form has only deteriorated under the wicket-keeper batter, and even he has struggled for form.
PCB confirmed the Selection committee meeting will seal Mohammad Rizwan's fate as ODI skipper
The Pakistan Cricket Board was clear about retaining Masood as the Test skipper and Salman Agha as the T20I skipper, though some reports claimed Shadab Khan's return as the skipper of the Pakistan team in the shortest format of the game once he makes a comeback from injury.
However, the ODI Captaincy has been a major concern, as Mike Hesson clearly is not happy with Mohammad Rizwan and is in for a swap. The PCB has also reportedly agreed to a meeting of the Pakistan forces. They referred the letter from Hesson to the selection and advisory committee of the PCB.
They have agreed on the same and are scheduled to meet on the 20th of October in order to take a final call on the ODI Captaincy switch, which is expected to be announced anytime soon.
🚨 MEETING FOR ODI CAPTAIN 🚨
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 18, 2025
- PCB confirms that Mike Hesson and the selection committee will meet on 20 October to finalise the ODI captain. (Sohail Imran) pic.twitter.com/FnzPlWbnZd
Babar Azam back as Pakistan ODI Captain
Babar Azam, the veteran Pakistani cricketer, was snubbed as the captain of the ODI side back in November 2023, after Pakistan's crash exit from the 2023 ICC World Cup. He had led Pakistan for a long time before that.
Now, as the buzz increases over Mohammad Rizwan's replacement as the ODI skipper, the former great is back in contention alongside Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Agha and young pacer Shaheen Afridi.
Candidates for captaincy: Babar , Agha and SHAHEEN .
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) October 18, 2025
If Rizwan doesn't remain captain, it will be difficult to retain his place in the ODI squad as well. https://t.co/dTnQhKAT7W
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Tagged:
Pakistan National Cricket Team PCB Mike Hesson Mohsin Naqvi Mohammad Rizwan Babar Azam Shaheen Afridi Salman Agha
