Lahore, October 27, 2024 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially named wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan as the captain and all-rounder Agha Salman as the vice-captain of the national cricket team for the white-ball formats, a leadership change that follows Babar Azam’s recent decision to step down as skipper. The announcement was made by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday in Lahore.
Babar Azam, who had been the Captain of Pakistan’s One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) teams, confirmed his resignation on October 2 via a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing a desire to focus on his playing performance. Following Babar’s decision, the PCB’s selection committee was tasked with appointing a successor who could lead the team forward.
Rizwan Takes the Reins: “A New Chapter for Pakistan Cricket”
Announcing the decision, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence in Rizwan’s capabilities, stating, “The selection committee and I had extensive discussions before finalizing Rizwan and Salman. Rizwan brings experience and dedication, making him a natural fit for this leadership role.” The committee reached a nearly unanimous decision after consultations with coaches, selectors, and advisors.
Rizwan, a seasoned player known for his resilience and strong presence on the field, has been a consistent performer for Pakistan across formats. His promotion to captain is expected to provide stability to the team as they head into upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe.
Agha Salman Named Vice-Captain, Emphasis on Young Talent
Agha Salman’s appointment as vice-captain signals the PCB’s focus on nurturing young talent. The 29-year-old batting all-rounder has impressed selectors with his all-around performances and adaptability in various playing conditions. “Our aim is to promote young talent and show respect for the depth of talent in domestic cricket,” Naqvi added, hinting at a larger PCB strategy to bolster the national team.
Babar Azam’s Legacy and Future Focus
Babar Azam, who took on the captaincy with remarkable performances, has stated that his decision to step down comes from a desire to refocus on his form and performance. “Players like Babar only come around rarely,” Naqvi remarked, describing Babar as a “true asset” to Pakistan cricket. He confirmed that Babar consulted with his coaches before informing the PCB of his decision to step back from the captaincy.
Squad Announcements and Upcoming Series
The PCB released the Pakistani squad for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe, with Rizwan leading the ODI side. Interestingly, he is not included in the T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series. Naqvi commended the selection committee, saying, “They went through each candidate carefully, working hard to assemble the strongest lineup possible.”
The team is gearing up for a demanding schedule, with selectors working alongside Rizwan, Salman, and the coaching staff to form a cohesive and strategic unit.
A Promising New Era
With Rizwan and Salman in leadership roles, PCB aims to set a course that strengthens the team’s competitive edge in international white-ball cricket. This leadership change reflects Pakistan’s focus on creating a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent. As Rizwan steps into his new role, he carries not only the hopes of a cricket-loving nation but also the legacy of his predecessor.
