Mohammad Rizwan to be sacked as Pakistan's ODI captain, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi confirms

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi opened up about wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's future as Pakistan's ODI captain. Naqvi stated that the decision on Mohammad will be taken by the national selectors, adding that the PCB will announce their decision after discussions.

Mohammad Rizwan became Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October 2024, taking over from Babar Azam. He had an impressive start to his captaincy, as Pakistan won three bilateral series in a row. Notably, the Men in Green secured victories on foreign soil, with the team winning in Australia and South Africa.

Mohammad Rizwan Facing Scrutiny as Pakistan Struggles Under His Captaincy

Mohammad Rizwan’s stint as Pakistan’s captain has faced challenges in recent months. The team struggled in major tournaments, including the tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand, and suffered an early elimination from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on home ground.

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Pakistan struggled during away tours, where three-match series against New Zealand and the West Indies ended in defeats. Rizwan came under criticism after inconsistencies in the team’s performances.

There has been debate over Rizwan’s future as captain. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi also spoke about the matter during a media interaction at a private event.

Head Coach Has Submitted His Report After Our ODI - Mohsin Naqvi on Mohammad Rizwan’s Future

Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the national selectors will decide the future of Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy. He added that head coach Mike Hesson has provided a report following Pakistan’s recent loss to the West Indies.

The board is reviewing the report, and a final decision will be made after discussions between the selectors and PCB officials.

“Selectors will make a decision. The head coach has submitted his report after our last contested ODI,” Naqvi said.

“We are going through it, and after mutual consultation, whatever is decided will be conveyed,” he added.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Downgraded to Category B in Latest PCB Central Contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board recently released its latest central contracts. Babar Azam and Rizwan have been moved down to category B due to inconsistent performances in major tournaments, including last year’s T20 World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and bilateral series.

The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, stated that the latest men’s central contracts do not include a Category A due to the national team’s underwhelming performances. He stated that contracts were determined based on the players’ recent performances on the field.

T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has been promoted from category C to B and will lead Pakistan in the upcoming tri-series and the Asia Cup. The squad will feature experienced players like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, alongside promising talents such as Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris.

Pakistan previously won the Asia Cup in 2000 and 2012 in the ODI format. The Men in Green are placed in Group A with India, Oman, and UAE. Before the Asia Cup, they will compete in a tri-series in Sharjah against Afghanistan and the UAE from August 29 to September 7.

Also read: South Africa ODI, T20I squads for series against England announced, David Miller returns