The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent decision to replace Mohammad Rizwan with Shaheen Shah Afridi as ODI captain has sparked fresh controversy. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has made serious allegations, claiming that Rizwan’s removal was linked to his open support for Gaza and Palestine.
PCB Appoints Shaheen Afridi as New ODI Captain
The PCB officially announced Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of Pakistan’s one-day international team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, who had been appointed only a few months earlier after Babar Azam stepped down.
The leadership reshuffle came as a surprise to many cricket fans, especially given Rizwan’s recent performances and the short duration of his captaincy.
Rashid Latif Points Fingers at Head Coach Mike Hesson
Reacting strongly to the decision, former Test cricketer Rashid Latif accused head coach Mike Hesson of being behind Rizwan’s removal. In a video circulating on social media, Latif alleged that Rizwan was sacked because of his public support for Gaza and Palestine.
“Just because he held the flag of Palestine, you remove him from captaincy?” Latif questioned in the viral clip. “It seems like now the mindset is that a non-Islamic captain should lead an Islamic country’s team.”
Latif’s remarks have triggered widespread debate online, with fans divided over whether religion or politics should have any influence on cricketing decisions.
Allegations About Cultural Changes in the Dressing Room
Latif further claimed that Rizwan’s faith-based practices during his time as captain might have clashed with the coach’s philosophy. He alleged that Rizwan had introduced certain religious traditions inside the dressing room, which Hesson reportedly did not approve of.
“Hesson wants to change the culture in the dressing room,” Latif added. “Only five or six people are supporting him in this decision.”
These claims have not been verified by the PCB or Hesson, and no official response has been issued so far.
Controversy Sparks Heated Debate in Cricket Circles
The controversy has reignited discussions about foreign influence in Pakistan cricket and whether off-field matters are being allowed to shape key decisions. Many former players and fans have called for transparency from the PCB regarding Rizwan’s dismissal, urging the board to clarify whether performance, strategy, or external pressure played a role.
As the debate continues, Shaheen Afridi now faces the challenge of leading Pakistan’s ODI squad amid a politically and emotionally charged atmosphere. His first test as captain will come in the home ODI series against South Africa, starting November 4 in Faisalabad.
