LAHORE, October 27,2024: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday that wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will lead the national team as captain, with batting all-rounder Agha Salman serving as vice-captain for One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals.
This decision follows former captain Babar Azam’s resignation on October 2, in which he expressed a desire to concentrate on his playing performance.
During a press conference in Lahore, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the new leadership appointments and confirmed that Rizwan was not included in the T20I squad for the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe.
Naqvi noted that the selection committee worked diligently to finalize the team, meeting on Saturday night to discuss the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. He expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts, stating,
Reflecting on Babar Azam’s contribution to the team, Naqvi called him an “asset” and acknowledged that his decision to step down was made after consulting with coaches. He emphasized the PCB’s commitment to supporting Azam as he focuses on regaining his form.
The selection committee engaged in internal discussions with mentors and selectors, ultimately reaching a near-unanimous agreement that Rizwan should assume the captaincy, with Salman as his deputy.
Naqvi expressed optimism for the upcoming series, highlighting the importance of promoting young talent and respecting domestic cricket.
Rizwan, in his comments, stressed the need to bridge the gap between senior and junior players, emphasizing the importance of unity among selectors and management in developing young talent for international competition.