Seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has become a front-runner to become the Pakistan team’s captain in the white-ball formats when the PCB announces the touring squad for series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
In the last two days, the Pakistani selectors have met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and also consulted white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten.
The last Test against England concludes on 28 October, and the team is to travel to Australia the following day, so the selectors will announce the white-ball team by Sunday,” said a reliable source of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“Rizwan, due to his seniority, his reliability as a player, and his experience leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL, is a front-runner to become white-ball captain,” the source said.
Babar Azam quit as Pakistan captain early this month, saying he wants to focus on his batting.
Pakistan will play nine ODIs and as many T20 internationals in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They are also scheduled to play two Tests against South Africa before returning home.
The source said that since the Board has now given the selectors the power to pick the captain, Aaqib, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar have held talks with Rizwan and sought his willingness to take over this responsibility.
According to the source, the selectors will likely 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.
Pakistan completed a 152-run win over England in Multan to square 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.
