Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is emerging as the leading contender to be appointed as Pakistan’s captain in the white-ball formats. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce the touring squad for the upcoming series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In recent days, Pakistani selectors have met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and consulted with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to finalize the decision.
Squad announcement expected soon
A PCB source revealed that the selectors are expected to announce Pakistan’s white-ball squad by Sunday, as the team will depart for Australia a day after the third Test against England concludes on October 28.
Rizwan is being considered the top candidate for the white-ball captaincy due to his seniority, consistent performances, and proven leadership skills in domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), making him a dependable choice for the role.
“The third Test against England concludes on October 28, and the team is scheduled to depart for Australia the following day, so the selectors will likely announce the white-ball squad by Sunday. Given his dependability and successful captaincy in domestic circuits, Rizwan is at the forefront to take on the white-ball captaincy,” a source within the PCB stated.
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Selectors given authority to choose captain
Earlier this month, Babar Azam decided to relinquish his captaincy role to focus solely on his batting. Pakistan’s itinerary includes nine ODIs and nine T20Is across the tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Following the white-ball series, Pakistan are also set to play two Test matches against South Africa before heading back home.
The source further mentioned that the PCB has granted selectors the authority to decide the captaincy. Selectors Aaqib, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar have reportedly spoken with Rizwan, gauging his interest in assuming the leadership role.
Key players likely to return for white-ball series
Selectors are expected to include key players such as Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah in the white-ball squad after they were rested and missed the last two Tests against England. Notably, Pakistan recently secured a 152-run victory over England in Multan, leveling the three-match Test series 1-1.
