LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly started discussions to replace wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain.
Sources said Geo news that head coach Mike Hesson initiated talks about changing the ODI captaincy with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
The PCB think tank has already held initial discussions about a change in the leadership of the ODI team, and discussions have also taken place with one potential candidate, they added.
According to sources, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is the frontrunner to take over the responsibility, while other potential candidates include former captain Babar Azam and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.
Without revealing the player’s identity, sources said the leading candidate has sought security and a free hand until the 2027 World Cup.
Meanwhile, PCB clarified that it has not yet decided on the captaincy for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.
A PCB spokesperson said Hesson has formally written to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging a joint meeting of the selection committee and advisory committee to finalize the captaincy for the series.
The PCB chief has forwarded Hesson’s letter to both committees that will meet on October 20, the spokesperson said.
The final decision on the ODI captaincy is likely to be taken at the October 20 meeting, the spokesperson added.
It is worth noting that Pakistan’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.
