Key Points
- PCB says captaincy decision pending; Selection and Advisory Committees to meet on October 20.
- Head coach Mike Hesson initiated the captaincy discussion, aiming for stability until World Cup 2027.
- Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha in contention to replace Mohammad Rizwan.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday clarified that it has not yet finalised the national men’s team captain for the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa, set to take place from November 4 to 8 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
In an official statement, the PCB revealed that white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has written a letter to Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging a joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Advisory Committee to reach a consensus on the captaincy decision. Responding to the proposal, Naqvi has forwarded the matter to both committees, who are scheduled to meet on October 20, a date which could potentially bring clarity on who will lead the side.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the captaincy debate is part of long-term planning for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, with Hesson reportedly initiating the discussion to ensure leadership continuity over the next few years.
Insiders suggest that one of the leading candidates has demanded a guaranteed tenure until the 2027 World Cup and greater autonomy in decision-making, signalling the seriousness of the discussions.
Among the contenders being considered for the role are former captain Babar Azam, current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha, and left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is currently being seen as the frontrunner to succeed wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.
