LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday appointed wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as captain for national T20 and ODI teams.
Addressing a press conference along with Mohammad Rizwan, Aaqib Javed and Salman Ali Agha in Lahore, the PCB chairman said Salman Ali Agha will be the vice-captain of the white-ball team.
On the question of Babar Azam’s captaincy, the PCB chairman stated that Babar is an asset to Pakistan. He added that after Babar’s resignation, everyone was consulted about appointing a new captain, and that Babar stepped down willingly, not under pressure.
Mohsin Naqvi said, “I don’t want to criticise anyone's past comments. The entire selection team and the selection committee played a big role in winning the Test series against England.”
Praising selector Aqib Javed’s efforts, the PCB chairman said, “I appreciate Aqib Javed's hard work; bringing him on board took a little longer than expected.”
Regarding Fakhar Zaman, he mentioned, “Fakhar’s recent tweet issue also came up, but his main problem is fitness. It isn’t acceptable for players to start tweeting if they’re not selected.”
National team selector Aqib Javed commented, “The ground staff in Multan and Rawalpindi worked hard to improve the pitch. With effort, anything is possible, and we should take advantage of our home ground. Our players will continue to enhance their bowling and batting.”
Meanwhile, new captain Mohammad Rizwan said, “Our focus is on long-term success, and my partnership with Salman Ali Agha is working out perfectly.”
Earlier, Head Coach Gary Kirsten had recommended the name of Rizwan, adding that selectors had thrown weight behind the decision.
Rizwan will replace Babar Azam, who had been appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain in March earlier this year.