Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha have emerged as the top contenders for Pakistan’s ODI captaincy as the Pakistan Cricket Board continues to explore leadership options ahead of upcoming matches. According to reports, head coach Mike Hesson has initiated discussions within the team management and the PCB think-tank regarding a possible change in the one-day international captaincy. Early consultations reveal that one of the leading candidates has requested full assurance to retain the captaincy role until the 2027 Cricket World Cup, along with complete freedom to make strategic decisions on the field.
Among the contenders, Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly the frontrunner for the position. These developments come as the PCB considers replacing the current ODI captain, Mohammad Rizwan, in preparation for Pakistan’s next limited-overs assignment. The decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s leadership ahead of major international tournaments. Fans and cricket analysts are closely watching the situation as Pakistan aims to build a strong and stable leadership core in its ODI squad.
