In the last few months, the Pakistan cricket team has faced major discussions regarding the captaincy shuffle. Following the end of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam relinquished his duty as Pakistan skipper for all formats. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as T20I captain after him while Shan Masood took over in Test cricket. Just before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan lost 4-1 to New Zealand under Shaheen’s captaincy, and he lost his role with Babar reinstated as white-ball captain.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan, who was also a member of 1992 ODI World Cup winning team, said that removing Shaheen as T20I captain was “unjust” and he should have been given more time.
According to Moin Khan who spoke to Cricket Pakistan, “Shaheen Afridi can lead team and players like him very much. He is a T20 captain par excellence; if you ask me I don’t see any other person in white ball cricket fit for this post . It was not fair to take away his captain’s arm-band at that point in time”; in that case he has since left this office until a few days ago having been among the most successful players playing a short format game for PCB.” How can they expect players to perform well without giving them confidence? Time is needed by someone who understands what it takes to be a cricket captain.”
It has been reported in some media sources that Mohammad Rizwan could take the place of Babar Azam as the white ball skipper of Pakistan.
A single captain can be appointed for all formats of cricket, but to achieve this it is important for any player to perform in all formats. Whoever becomes captain should have the long term responsibility. Mohammad Rizwan should not face any criticism because of his age; there are no doubts about his capabilities. The question also arises how much time he can represent the team if he is granted Captaincy. Mohammad Rizwan can be an ideal interim leader however you will have to bring up someone new who will take over later on. Moin further said “We often name captains while forgetting to prepare a substitute”.
