Lahore, October 27, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams following the resignation of Babar Azam on October 2. Babar stepped down from the role, expressing a desire to focus on his batting performance and family time.
Rizwan’s first leadership assignment will be a three-match ODI and T20I series against Australia, beginning November 4. PCB Chairman Naqvi announced that Salman Ali Agha, an all-rounder, has been named vice-captain. Agha will also lead the T20I squad in Zimbabwe as part of a workload management plan for Rizwan.
A seasoned player who debuted in 2015, Rizwan has represented Pakistan in 74 ODIs and 102 T20Is, scoring 5,401 runs with four centuries and achieving 143 dismissals as wicketkeeper. He will become Pakistan’s 31st captain in ODIs when he leads the team against Australia on November 4 in Melbourne.
During a press conference, PCB Chief Naqvi shared insights into the selection process, mentioning that Babar’s decision to step down led to widespread support for Rizwan as captain. Both Rizwan and Agha expressed enthusiasm for promoting young talent and ensuring fitness as a core part of the white-ball team strategy.
Naqvi emphasized Babar’s ongoing importance to Pakistan cricket and expressed hopes for his return to form across all formats. The PCB also revealed squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours, reflecting a balanced blend of experience and youth.
