Shaheen Shah Afridi named Pakistan's ODI captain for South Africa series

The search for Pakistan's next white-ball leader has ended — and it's none other than the fiery fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has officially been appointed as captain of the national ODI team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the decision today, signaling a bold new direction ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa, to be held at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, from 4 to 8 November.

The announcement followed an intense selection meeting in Islamabad, attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed, and members of the PCB’s selection committee. After weighing all options, the panel unanimously agreed on Afridi, entrusting the 25-year-old with the leadership reins for a critical series.

A proven match-winner, Shaheen has already worn the captain’s armband, having led Pakistan in five T20Is against New Zealand in 2024. But this will be his first official assignment as full-time ODI captain, and expectations are sky-high.

With 66 ODIs, 92 T20Is, and 32 Tests under his belt (excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa), Afridi brings with him a potent mix of experience, aggression, and composure. He has 249 wickets in white-ball formats and another 120 wickets in Tests, making him one of Pakistan’s most dependable strike weapons across formats.

The decision marks a generational shift and a vote of confidence in Shaheen's leadership style — passionate, fearless, and leading from the front. As Pakistan gears up for a vital home series, Afridi’s elevation signals PCB’s intent to build a younger, bolder ODI unit.