NEW DELHI: In a much-anticipated move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the removal of Mohammad Rizwan as the team’s ODI captain, marking another change in Pakistan’s cricket leadership.

Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is named Pakistan’s new ODI captain and will lead the team in next month’s three-match series against South Africa, taking over from Mohammad Rizwan who had held the role since last October.

“A meeting of the selection committee, also attended by Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, decided that Shaheen will lead Pakistan's ODI side against South Africa,” the PCB said in its official press release.

Rizwan, who had taken over the one-day reins last October following Babar Azam’s resignation, endured a difficult stint as skipper. Under his leadership, Pakistan struggled in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, finishing bottom of Group A behind India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

This marks the third change in Pakistan’s ODI captaincy within the past 12 months, highlighting the continued instability in the team’s leadership structure.

Both Rizwan and Babar have been out of the T20I setup for some time now, and with this latest development, questions loom large over their future in the 50-over format as well.

With the South Africa series approaching next month, Pakistan now enters a new chapter in one-day cricket as selectors aim to rebuild the side under fresh leadership.