NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Monday named fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain for next month’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, marking the third leadership change in the format over the past 12 months.The 25-year-old takes over from Mohammad Rizwan, who assumed the ODI captaincy last October following Babar Azam’s resignation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Shaheen’s appointment was made after a meeting in Islamabad.“A meeting of the selection committee, also attended by Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, decided that Shaheen will lead Pakistan’s ODI side against South Africa,” the PCB said in a release.The three-match ODI series is scheduled for November 4, 6, and 8, with all games to be played in Faisalabad.Rizwan began his tenure as ODI skipper strongly, leading Pakistan to a 2-1 series win in Australia in November 2024, the country’s first in Australia in 22 years. Pakistan then whitewashed South Africa 3-0 at home and secured a 2-1 series win in Zimbabwe.However, 2025 proved challenging for Rizwan. Pakistan lost the home tri-series final to New Zealand and exited the Champions Trophy in the first round in February.The most significant setback came in the West Indies, where Pakistan lost 2-1 — their first series defeat in the Caribbean in 34 years.Shaheen previously led Pakistan in five Twenty20 internationals in New Zealand in January last year but was relieved of the role after a 4-1 series loss.
