The PCB confirmed that Shaheen\u2019s appointment was finalised following a meeting held in Islamabad involving white-ball head coach Mike\u202fHesson, Director High Performance Aqib\u202fJaved and members of the selection committee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShaheen\u2019s appointment for the upcoming series was finalised today following a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed and members of the selection committee,\u201d a short release by the PCB said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The left-arm fast bowler, aged 25, brings a strong record to the leadership role -- 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is with a combined 249 wickets, along with 120 wickets in 32 Tests (excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rizwan, in his 20 ODIs as captain, led the side to nine wins and 11 defeats for a 45% winning percentage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
PCB Chairman Mohsin\u202fNaqvi\u2019s administration has been criticised for frequent captaincy changes, having removed Shaheen earlier in 2024 only to bring back Babar, and then appointing Rizwan months ago.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rizwan, in his 20 ODIs as captain, led the side to nine wins and 11 defeats for a 45% winning percentage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The new move signals a strategic change as Pakistan gears up for the 2027 World Cup, presumably giving Shaheen a free hand as leader in the lead-up to the major tournament. With the series against South Africa just weeks away, all eyes will now be on how Shaheen transitions into his new role \u2014 leading the side in the 50-over format while continuing to shoulder his frontline bowling responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n