Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan may soon lose his leadership role, as head coach Mike Hesson has reportedly recommended a captaincy change to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to sources cited by Express News, Hesson has written directly to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to convene an urgent joint meeting of the selection committee and advisory panel to decide on key team matters — including the future of the ODI captaincy.
Insiders suggest that the PCB’s think tank is increasingly in favor of a change, with preliminary discussions already held with Shaheen Shah Afridi, who could be in line for the role.
Rizwan, who took over the ODI captaincy from Babar Azam earlier this year, has faced mounting scrutiny over his tactical decisions and recent performances.
While he remains a vital batsman and team player, management sources believe that Pakistan needs “a fresh leadership approach” as part of its long-term plan ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
If the proposal gains traction, Pakistan could enter its next ODI series under new leadership, signaling another shift in the country’s often turbulent cricket politics.
Cricket observers note that Pakistan’s captaincy debates have historically reflected deeper institutional challenges — where performance, personality, and politics collide.
“It’s not just about who leads on the field,” one former cricketer told local media. “It’s about who the board trusts to lead the team into a new era.”
