Rizwan Likely to Take Over White-Ball Captaincy, Replacing Babar

Pakistan cricket team’s wicket-keeper and batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as a strong candidate for the white-ball captaincy. Sources informed Headline PK that Babar Azam’s exclusion from the captaincy role for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup could signal a shift in leadership for the national squad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced five teams for the Champions Cup on Friday, with Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Haris, and Saud Shakeel set to captain their respective sides. According to insiders, there is a growing possibility of a new captain being named later this year, particularly ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia in November.

White-ball Head Coach Gary Kirsten reportedly discussed the matter with PCB officials and Babar Azam in July. Rizwan is believed to be a leading choice, with potential discussions set to determine whether he will take charge of all three formats in the future.

Babar, who was reappointed white-ball captain on March 31, stepped down from leading all formats in November 2023, with Shan Masood appointed as Test captain. Despite these changes, Pakistan’s performance remained inconsistent, culminating in disappointing results at the 2024 T20 World Cup and a recent Test series whitewash against Bangladesh.