Shaheen Shah Afridi Appointed as Pakistan’s New ODI Captain

LAHORE:  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) team.

Shaheen will lead the national side in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to be held from November 4 to 8 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

According to sources, the decision was finalized during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, which was attended by Head Coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed, and members of the selection committee.

Afridi’s appointment is being seen as a fresh start for Pakistan cricket, with the PCB aiming to bring new energy and an aggressive mindset into the team through youthful leadership.

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Shaheen, who previously captained Pakistan’s T20I side, now steps into a larger leadership role in the ODI format. The move is part of the board’s broader strategy to build a strong, well-balanced team for the 2027 ICC World Cup.

Sources further added that under Shaheen’s leadership, efforts will be made to develop a balanced combination in the squad, with a focus on long-term planning and consistent performance.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, known for his pace and passion on the field, now faces a new challenge—leading Pakistan’s ODI team into a new era of competitiveness and ambition.