Rizwan stepped aside voluntarily, Afridi confirms
On the eve of Pakistan’s opening ODI against Sri Lanka, newly appointed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed the leadership transition and dismissed speculation around how the decision was made. Afridi revealed that the change in captaincy was not forced, but mutually agreed — and initiated by Mohammad Rizwan himself.
“Rizwan was the only person [from the team] I had a discussion with when I was about to be appointed as captain,” Shaheen Shah Afridi said in a press conference on the eve of the first ODI against Sri Lanka. “I asked him how he felt and what he wanted.”
He credited Rizwan with prioritising the team’s needs over individual status. “Rizwan is a good human and he decided himself to stake a step back and let me replace him, and that was how the decision was taken,” Shaheen added.
Afridi also reflected on his own past experience of being replaced after a brief stint as T20I captain. “When I was captain earlier, I had spoken to Babar at that time about the whole situation. I won’t go into details about being removed.”
Despite having gone through abrupt changes himself, Shaheen emphasised that he holds no grudges and believes in a collaborative approach.
“I talk to everyone for advice and I am not too egoistic to not talk to the ex captains because of things that happened in the past,” he said.
Merit, not names, must guide Pakistan’s ODI approach
Shaheen made it clear that individual status in the squad would not guarantee playing time or responsibility. Instead, he expects every player — from the top names to the bench — to earn their place and contribute equally.
“Everyone has to take responsibility if you want to improve as a team,” he said. “It’s not just for Rizwan, Babar, Fakhar [Zaman], Shaheen, Saim [Ayub] to ensure this. The first and the last, all players should take responsibility.”
Backing Rizwan despite his captaincy exit, Shaheen said performance and unity would remain priorities under his leadership. “As far as Rizwan is concerned, he is Pakistan’s top-scorer in one-dayers since 2023,” he stated.
“We are trying to back players who are not in form so that they can do well in future matches. If you get hopeless about such players it will bring in worse results. We have to go into matches as a unit and win them as a unit.”
Afridi also spoke about his long-term goal to prepare the team for major events like the 2027 ODI World Cup. “My job as captain is to ensure how to improve our one-day cricket and how to take my fellow players forward.”
Part of that process, he believes, includes playing a more active role in squad composition. “The captain, I believe, should be involved in selection matters because after all he is the one who is going to lead the XI,” he said.
“Obviously the selectors pick the squads but the captain should be involved. And if it is in the captain’s knowledge, the team would be better and would fight harder.”
Team-first mentality fuels confidence ahead of Sri Lanka series
Coming off a 2-1 home series win over South Africa, Afridi stressed the importance of building on momentum and keeping team morale high.
“Going into the Sri Lanka series, our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward,” he said. “We want to build consistency in our performances and make sure that we keep improving as a team in every department.”
Reflecting on his early matches as ODI captain, he praised the unity displayed by the players. “I was really proud of the way the players responded to different situations and played as a unit (against South Africa),” he said. “The energy, intent and teamwork were outstanding.”
Afridi also brushed aside concerns over pressure when playing at home. “I don’t think playing in front of a home crowd adds pressure. In fact, when your own people cheer for you, it gives you confidence. Playing at home, in familiar conditions, with fans backing you — that’s the best feeling.”
Despite mixed recent form from key players like Babar Azam, Afridi remained optimistic. “Babar is not the kind of player who can be judged by one or two innings. He’s already finding his rhythm again, and Insha’Allah, I’m confident he’ll score a hundred very soon.”
Asalanka expects tough challenge in Pakistan conditions
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged the difficulty of touring Pakistan but expected a competitive series.
“I think it’s always competitive cricket when Sri Lanka and Pakistan face each other, and I expect some exciting cricket from tomorrow,” Asalanka told reporters. “We just want to focus on our basics and see what happens.”
He outlined Sri Lanka’s tactical approach ahead of the three-match series. “For us, it’s about sticking to the basics, keeping things simple, and backing our strengths.”
Asalanka also admitted Pakistan’s home advantage would pose a significant challenge. “That’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions,” he said.
“Pakistan played good cricket in their last series and we too. We played 30–45 days ago in Zimbabwe and done really well, especially our ODI side has been doing really well.”
Pakistan edge thriller to take 1–0 lead
Since the press conference, the opening ODI in Rawalpindi has been played, with Pakistan securing a narrow win to go 1–0 up in the series.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 299 for 5, anchored by an unbeaten 105 from Salman Ali Agha. Contributions came from Fakhar Zaman (32), Babar Azam (29), Hussain Talat (62 off 63), and Mohammad Nawaz (36* off 23). Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 3 wickets.
In reply, Sri Lanka fell just short, scoring 293 for 9 in their 50 overs. Hasaranga top-scored with 59, while Asalanka, Samarawickrama, Nissanka, Mishara, and Liyanage all chipped in.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who claimed 4 for 61, supported by Naseem Shah (2 for 55) and Faheem Ashraf (2 for 49).
The teams now head into the second ODI with Pakistan holding the series lead and now building momentum under Afridi’s leadership.
