LAHORE: Just as Pakistan cricket fans were winding down after the national team’s solid opening day in the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a surprise late-night announcement — confirming Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s new ODI captain.

The brief, three-paragraph statement said Shaheen “will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa,” adding that the “appointment for the upcoming series was finalised today following a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed, and members of the selection committee.”

True to the PCB’s recent communication style — where key decisions are often shared without press briefings or detailed explanations — the statement offered no clarity on the duration of Shaheen’s captaincy or the reasons behind Mohammad Rizwan’s removal. Notably, Rizwan’s name was not mentioned in the announcement.

Rizwan had been appointed ODI captain last year in October, leading Pakistan on the white-ball tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as in the home ODI tri-series, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and the tour of the West Indies.

With three different captains (Shan Masood, Shaheen and Salman Ali Agha) and two recently relieved of their duties (Babar Azam and Rizwan) featuring in the second Test against South Africa, all eyes will now turn to the dressing-room dynamics and team environment in the coming days.

Not long ago, when Pakistan were performing strongly across all three formats under Babar Azam, Shaheen, Rizwan and Shadab Khan were widely regarded as his most trusted lieutenants. Today, all four appear to be on diverging paths.

Reports of Shaheen replacing Rizwan began circulating soon after Pakistan’s 93-run win over South Africa in the first Test. At the time, the PCB denied any decision had been taken but confirmed that an “advisory panel” meeting would be held in Islamabad on Monday to discuss head coach Mike Hesson’s recommendations regarding ODI captaincy.

Shaheen previously led Pakistan in early 2024 before being replaced by Babar Azam. Babar was later succeeded by Shan Masood for Tests and Rizwan for white-ball formats. Salman took charge of the T20I side in March.

The 25-year-old left-arm fast bowler has represented Pakistan in 66 ODIs, claiming 131 wickets. During his earlier stint as T20I captain in early 2024, Pakistan lost 4-1 to New Zealand away from home. Shaheen is also considered the architect of Lahore Qalandars’ three Pakistan Super League titles in the past four editions.

With Shaheen’s appointment now confirmed, attention will shift to Rizwan’s future — particularly whether he can retain his place in the ODI squad, having already lost his position in the T20I team.

After the three ODIs against South Africa from 4-8 November, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from 11-15 November. In the first half of 2026, Pakistan is scheduled to play 50-over internationals against Australia, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the host of ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup, which will take place in October and November 2027.