Kolkata : Pakistan’s Wicket Keeper Batter Mohammad Rizwan has replaced former Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam as captain in limited overs format.
This comes following Babar’s resignation as Pakistan’s Limited Overs captain, on October 2, 2024, after Pakistan’s dismal outings at ICC ODI World Cup 2023 & ICC T20 WC 2024 , where they’re knocked out from Group stage in both tournaments after flop shows. Babar, who had a poor run with Bat and skipper thus stepped down from captaincy to focus on his Batting.
The announcement was made just hours after the squads for the upcoming Australia and Zimbabwe tour were announced.
Speaking to reporters, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, “We will give him all the support that is needed. We need to back our young talent, and we also need to strengthen our domestic cricket structure.”
During the same press conference, Mohsin said that Babar Azam was not pushed by the board to leave the captaincy. He said that the right-handed batter told him that he wants to let go of the leadership to focus on his own game.
In an official statement, Rizwan said, “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Representing Pakistan on the global stage is the greatest privilege and to now be entrusted with leading such a talented and exciting group of players is a tremendous honour. Joining the ranks of some of Pakistan’s legendary limited-overs captains truly is the icing on the cake”.
“I am committed to giving my absolute best in this role and look forward to working closely with the selectors, coaches and my immensely talented teammates. Together, we aim to meet and exceed the expectations of our fans and supporters,” he added.
In limited overs format, Rizwan has featured in 102 T20Is & 74 ODIs scoring 3313 & 2088 runs respectively.
The 32 years old will take up the captaincy charges from Australian tour comprising 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is, starting from November 4-18, following which the team will go to Zimbabwe for 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is.
Rizwan will be available for the Australia matches and Zimbabwe ODIs, but will be rested from the Zimbabwe T20Is. While Rizwan is the captain, 30 years old Agha Salman has been named as vice captain.
The PCB has also awarded 12-month central contracts to 25 men’s cricketers for the 2024-25 international season, effective from July 1, 2024. The contracts have been offered under the structure that was agreed last year between the players and the PCB for a 3-year period.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been awarded Category A contracts while Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Test skipper Shan Masood have been named in Category B list.
