Rizwan set to lose ODI captaincy as PCB eyes Salman Ali Agha for leadership role

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to remove wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan from his role as ODI captain, following the disappointing performance by the national team in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, 24NewsHD TV reported on Wednesday.

According to PCB insiders, a final decision on the ODI leadership is anticipated within the next few days.

The matter is currently under consideration by both the newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, and the PCB’s top management.

The leadership reshuffle is seen as part of a larger effort to revive Pakistan’s white-ball cricket fortunes after recent underwhelming results.

Sources within the PCB indicated that all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has emerged as the frontrunner to take over the ODI captaincy.

Salman had already been entrusted with the T20 International captaincy earlier this year, after the board decided to relieve Rizwan of that responsibility following the Champions Trophy debacle.

Coach Mike Hesson, who assumed charge recently, has reportedly initiated a consultation process to select not only a new captain but also a vice-captain for the ODI squad.

Mohammad Rizwan had been made captain of Pakistan’s white-ball formats in October 2024, assuming the captaincy for both ODIs and T20 Internationals.

However, Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the Champions Trophy earlier this year prompted the board to strip him of the T20I captaincy, which was subsequently awarded to Salman Ali Agha.

Now, with another shift on the horizon, it seems increasingly likely that Rizwan will lose the ODI leadership role as well, as PCB considers grooming a new leader with a long-term vision.

Reporter: Muhammad Hammad