'Because of His Reliability': Mohammad Rizwan To Replace Babar Azam As Pakistan's White-ball Captain

Mohammad Rizwan is set to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan 's white-ball captain, according to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Rizwan's reliability, seniority, and experience in leading teams in domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) make him a strong contender for the position.

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Mohammad Rizwan to become Pakistan 's white-ball captain

The PCB selectors have held meetings with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to discuss the team's leadership. With Babar Azam stepping down as captain to focus on his batting, Rizwan is likely to take over as captain for the upcoming tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

"The third Test against England finishes on 28th October and the squad has to leave for Australia the next day so the selectors would be announcing the white ball squad by Sunday," a PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI.

"Rizwan because of his seniority, his reliability as a player and because of his experience of leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL is a front-runner to become white-ball captain,” the source added.

The source also confirmed that the selectors are keen to include Babar Azam , Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah in the white-ball squad after they were rested and sidelined for the last two Tests against England. Additionally, the selectors may announce separate squads for each tour to give exposure to young players and rest senior players.

"The selectors are also keen to have some new young players in the squad so there is every likelihood they might announce different squads for the three tours to give exposure to more players and also rest to seniors," the source confirmed. 

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Pakistan are due to play nine ODIs and as many T20 internationals in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Before returning home, they are also scheduled to play two Tests against South African.

Pakistan wrapped up the second Test match with a 152-run win over England in Multan to level the three-match series.

(With agency inputs)