Cricket

Pakistan's newly appointed white-ball captain, Muhammad Rizwan, has acquiesced to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) revised selection policy, which eliminates his voting privileges in the selection of touring squads and playing elevens. This decision comes after initial hesitation from Rizwan.According to a source within the PCB, Rizwan agreed to the new system after discussions with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and senior selector Aaqib Javed. Under this system, Rizwan's input in the selection process will be purely advisory.The PCB's new selection policy was implemented following Pakistan's humiliating defeat against England in the first Test in Multan. The board appointed three new selectors – Aaqib, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar – and granted them sweeping powers to select teams without the consent of the captain or head coach.Pakistan's white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, resigned on Monday due to his disagreement with the new selection process and other issues with the PCB.The PCB has assured Rizwan that he will be consulted in finalizing teams, but the ultimate decision will rest with the five selectors. The selection committee is now responsible for selecting touring squads and playing elevens.To ensure effective communication, the PCB is sending national selector Asad Shafiq with the team to Australia for the white-ball matches. Shafiq will consult with the other selectors in Pakistan to select the playing eleven.

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as the new captain of Pakistan's white-ball teams for their upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The announcement was made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday, following the resignation of former captain Babar Azam earlier this month.Rizwan, 32, has previously led Pakistan in two Test matches against New Zealand in 2020 when Azam was injured. However, this will mark his first time leading the team in limited-overs matches.In a video released by the PCB, Rizwan expressed optimism about Pakistan's chances in Australia, especially after their recent Test series victory against England. He acknowledged the team's past challenges in Australia but expressed confidence in the current squad."There's no doubt that we've faced difficulties in Australia," Rizwan said. "But I believe the team going now will meet the nation's expectations."Rizwan also urged fans to support the team, highlighting their recent success in the Test series against England."In the last series we played in Australia, every match was almost ours to win, but we lost very closely," he added. "We have noticed a few things and will work on them when we go there, taking positives from it. Inshallah, we will beat Australia in Australia."Joining Rizwan in the squad are Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were both included after being dropped from the last two Tests against England. Pakistan recently clinched the Test series against England with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.Rizwan's appointment as captain is seen as a positive step by many cricket experts. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, as well as his ability to lead by example. Under his leadership, Pakistan will be hoping to improve their record in white-ball cricket and challenge for major titles.

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's newly appointed white-ball captain, has emphasized his commitment to serving the team rather than assuming a position of authority. Ahead of Pakistan's upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, Rizwan expressed his determination to lead by example and inspire his teammates to fight for every victory."As a leader, I am here to serve the 15 men of the team," Rizwan stated. "If I start considering myself a king, everything will fall apart." He acknowledged the support and encouragement from the team's management, who have urged them to display unwavering determination.Rizwan outlined his responsibilities as captain, including attending presentations, handling conferences, and carrying out tasks. He emphasized that all players are leaders in their own right and contribute to the team's success.Pakistan has announced 15-member squads for both tours, with Rizwan available for the Australia matches and Zimbabwe ODIs but not the T20Is. The squads include three debutants: Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Sufyan Moqim.

Mohammad Rizwan, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, has emerged as the frontrunner to lead Pakistan's white-ball teams in the upcoming tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the touring squad by Sunday, October 23rd.The decision to appoint Rizwan as captain comes after Babar Azam stepped down from the role earlier this month, citing a desire to focus on his batting. Rizwan's experience and leadership qualities have made him a strong candidate for the position."Rizwan is a front runner to become white-ball captain because of his seniority, reliability as a player, and experience of leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL," said a reliable source within the PCB.The selectors have consulted with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten in the past two days. They are likely to include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah in the white-ball squad after they were rested for the last two Tests against England.The source also indicated that the selectors are keen to include some new young players in the squad to provide exposure and rest to senior players. Pakistan is scheduled to play nine ODIs and as many T20 internationals during the three tours.Rizwan's appointment as captain would mark a significant shift in Pakistan's white-ball leadership. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, as well as his ability to inspire his teammates. His experience in leading teams in domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be invaluable in his new role.