Follow UsFast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been appointed the new Pakistan One-Day International (ODI) captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan at the helm. His first assignment will be the three-match ODI series against South Africa between November 4 and 8.
Afridi has never led Pakistan in ODIs, but has been in charge in five T20Is - all against New Zealand - having just won one. Babar Azam took charge of the side once again after that, before the PCB decided to appoint Salman Agha.
Rizwan led Pakistan in 20 matches, losing 11 of them, including crashing out of the Champions Trophy at home earlier this year without a single win. That proved to be the final nail in Rizwan's captaincy coffin as he has been forced to vacate his post despite 2-1 and 3-0 series wins over Australia and South Africa, respectively.
The decision to appoint Afridi as ODI captain was done in consultation with white-ball coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed and the selection committee.
Afridi has incredible ODI bowling figures, having snapped up 131 wickets in just 66 matches at an average of 24.28 and an economy rate of 5.66. He is also the fastest Pakistani bowler to pick up 100 wickets in ODI, getting to the milestone in just 51 matches. Only three other bowlers have achieved this feat quicker than the left-arm pacer.