The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain for the white-ball formats. With two major tournaments on the horizon, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026, Rizwan is determined to build a team that can compete at the highest level. His leadership begins with upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe ,where the team will face tough challenges across both ODI and T20I formats.
The PCB has announced squads that feature a blend of senior players and emerging talent. Notable inclusions are Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, but these players will be rested for the Zimbabwe tour. Instead, the focus will shift towards nurturing younger players such as Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, and Aamer Jamal, signaling a long-term strategy for future tournaments.
Among the new names, Mohammad Hasnain makes his return to the squad after an impressive domestic season, while Salman Ali Agha has been promoted to vice-captain for white-ball formats. The team management, led by Aaqib Javed and Mohsin Naqvi ,has emphasized the importance of integrating young talent in preparation for the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup.
In a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium, Rizwan outlined his leadership approach, stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. He explicitly mentioned that he does not see himself as a 'king' but rather as a servant leader. His goal is to build a team where every player feels empowered to lead and contribute. "It's not just about a single person making decisions," said Rizwan, highlighting the importance of collective effort in team dynamics.
The selection process for the upcoming tours has been thorough, with multiple meetings between the team's think tank, including selectors such as Aaqib Javed and key decision makers. Rizwan acknowledged that these "eight-hour-long" sessions were critical in finalizing the squad, ensuring alignment between the selection committee and the captain. The focus has been on bridging the gap between senior and junior players, ensuring a smooth transition for younger talents into international cricket.
Rizwan's tenure as captain is marked by a collaborative approach, where multiple voices contribute to key decisions. This collaborative ethos was seen during the squad selection process, and Rizwan believes it will be essential as Pakistan prepares for the challenges ahead. His leadership style contrasts sharply with a more authoritarian approach, as he aims to foster a culture of open debate and teamwork within the squad.
Aaqib Javed has been instrumental in shaping Pakistan's strategy, particularly when it comes to spin-friendly pitches and player development. His influence was evident during Pakistan’s recent 2-1 Test series win over England. Aaqib believes that fitness and skill development are crucial for succeeding in white-ball cricket, whether playing at home or away. He reiterated Rizwan's emphasis on long-term development, especially with the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Pakistan’s next major assignment will be their tour of Australia, starting with the first ODI in Melbourne on November 4. The tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart. The squad for the Zimbabwe tour will be without key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam, who will be rested, allowing younger players to showcase their skills.
