Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan white-ball captain; All-rounder finalized as vice-captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to appoint wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of Pakistan's white-ball cricket teams. This decision to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as white-ball captain comes after batter Babar Azam's recent resignation from the leadership role.

Earlier this month, Babar announced his resignation as the captain of the white-ball teams through a social media post. Notably, it was the second time Babar stepped down from the captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team. Pakistan failed to go past the group stage in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

The 29-year-old batter stepped down from captaincy in all formats following a poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. However, he was reappointed as the captain for white-ball formats earlier this year. The Men in Green struggled to secure victories during his second tenure as white-ball captain.

Mohammad Rizwan Set To Be Appointed As Pakistan White-Ball Skipper

As per a report in Geo News, the PCB has decided to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain for both T20I and ODI formats. Rizwan and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a meeting regarding this matter. Head coach Gary Kirsten and selectors also backed Rizwan's appointment.

"Rizwan’s meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has ended and the chief has decided to name the keeper as captain of the ODI and T20I teams," reported Geo News.

"The suggestion was made by head coach Gary Kirsten and the appointment was also supported by the selectors of the national cricket team, as per the insiders," added Geo News.

Mohammad Rizwan's First Assignments As Pakistan Skipper

Mohammad Rizwan has experience of leading teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic tournaments. The 32-year-old cricketer had led the Multan Sultans to victory in the Pakistan Super League in 2021. His first assignment as captain will be the white-ball series against Australia.

The Men in Green will tour Australia for a white-ball series, where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODI matches will be played from November 4 to 10, followed by the T20I series from November 14 to 18.

Agha Salman To Be Appointed As Vice-Captain Of Pakistan - Report

The selection committee, including Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Hasan Cheema, met with players Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and assistant coach Azhar Mehmood to discuss various strategic decisions, including captaincy. Salman Agha is likely to be appointed as vice-captain.

Star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam are likely to be included in the squad during the tour of Australia. As per reports, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will hold a press conference to announce the final ODI and T20 squad and address important questions related to the upcoming tour.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma blamed openly for India's series loss at home by a former teammate of both