Mohammad Rizwan is likely to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan's white-ball captain (AP Photo)

Mohammad Rizwan likely to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan's ODI and T20I captain

Mohammad Rizwan is the frontrunner to take over captaincy of white-ball teams. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are set to return to the ODI and T20I squad for the tour of Australia.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Mohammad Rizwan frontrunner to lead Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is
  • Pakistan will announce their white-ball squads for Australia tour soon
  • Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi likely to return to white-ball squads

Seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as a front-runner to become Pakistan team's captain in the white-ball formats when the PCB announces the touring squad for series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Pakistan selectors have held meetings with the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and also consulted white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten in the last two days.

"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 reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

"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 said.

Babar Azam had quit as Pakistan captain early this month, saying he wants to focus on his batting.

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 Africa.

The source said since the Board has now given the selectors the power to pick the captain. Aaqib, Azhar Ali and Aleem Dar have apparently already held talks with Rizwan and sought his willingness to take over this responsibility.

The source said the selectors are likely to include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in the white ball squad after being rested and sidelined for the last two Tests against England.

Pakistan wrapped up a 152 runs win over England in Multan to level the three-match series.

"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.