Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Sunday appointed wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as white-ball captain of the national ODI team, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The captain's post was vacant since Babar Azam resigned voluntarily just before the start of the England Test series.
Rizwan will captain both ODI and T20 sides while all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been made his deputy in both formats.
The national selection committee was tasked with finding the next white-ball captain following Azam’s resignation from the position.
While speaking to the media in Lahore, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi announced Rizwan and Salman as the captain and vice-captain of the cricket team for the one-day international and T20 international, respectively.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi flanked by chief selector Aqib Javed and players Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha said that PCB introduced its central contract list and whitball captain after mutual consultation.
“The decision to appoint Rizwan was based on consensus within the selection committee and mentors.”
Naqvi extended his well-wishes to the new leadership, stating, "My best wishes to all involved."
Addressing the leadership transition, Naqvi clarified that Babar Azam, Pakistan’s iconic cricketer and former captain, independently decided to step down from his leadership role.
"No one from PCB approached Babar regarding this decision," Naqvi asserted
Acknowledging the committee's efforts, Naqvi highlighted the rigorous work undertaken by both the selection committee and team management to harness emerging talent.
However, Naqvi observed that while the team possesses immense potential, challenges remain in bringing forward untapped talent.
Aqib Javed, who serves as the convener of the selection committee, spoke on the need for strategic planning, particularly in preparing pitches conducive to the team’s success.
The incoming captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed confidence in the team’s mix of young and senior players.
Rizwan affirmed that consultations with the selection committee aimed at building a strong team for upcoming international tournaments, including the prestigious Champions Trophy.
"We are hopeful that we can build a competitive combination," Rizwan stated.
Aqib Javed also addressed Fakhar Zaman's recent fitness challenges, a factor that has influenced selection decisions.
Naqvi confirmed that Zaman’s fitness is being closely monitored and that a show-cause notice was issued to him over a recent issue. Stressing the importance of commitment, Naqvi underscored that no compromise would be accepted on team cohesion, including curtailing controversies surrounding social media activity.
With this new leadership, Rizwan expressed a selfless vision, stating, "For me, all fifteen players are captains, and I only have one group – that is Pakistan."
He committed to taking responsibility if the team falters while crediting the entire squad in the event of success.