LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ignited a firestorm of controversy with its abrupt decision to remove Mohammad Rizwan as the One Day International (ODI) captain. While the board has remained tight-lipped on the reasons, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has made explosive claims, alleging the move was orchestrated by head coach Mike Hesson due to Rizwan's vocal support for Palestine and his promotion of a religious atmosphere in the dressing room.
On Monday, the PCB announced that left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would be taking over the ODI captaincy, providing no explanation for Rizwan's dismissal. The decision has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the timing and transparency of the board's actions.
Latif's Allegations Shake PCB
In a video shared on social media, Latif did not mince words, directly blaming Hesson for the change. "Just because he picked up the Palestine flag, you would sack him as captain?" Latif questioned, adding that the "mindset" of appointing a non-Islamic captain in an Islamic country was driven by Hesson.
Rizwan's pro-Palestine stance has been well-documented. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, he dedicated Pakistan's win over Sri Lanka to the "brothers and sisters in Gaza". Earlier this year, he also pledged financial support for Palestinian charities during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Other Reported Factors Emerge
While Latif's comments have dominated the conversation, multiple sources indicate that other factors may also have contributed to Rizwan's downfall:
Betting Sponsorships: According to reports, Rizwan's refusal to endorse betting companies may have clashed with the PCB's commercial interests. Rizwan, who represented St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League, had previously declined to wear a jersey featuring a betting sponsor's logo.
Poor Performance: Rizwan's captaincy was also overshadowed by the team's underwhelming performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they suffered a group-stage exit.
Wider PCB Support: While Latif pointed to Hesson, reports suggest the decision was not a solitary one. It was reportedly made after a meeting involving Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and the selection committee, indicating broader support for the change.
Leadership Instability Continues
This latest captaincy shuffle adds another chapter to the ongoing instability in Pakistan's cricket leadership. In recent years, the team has seen numerous changes in captaincy across formats, a situation that has often been criticized for its potential to destabilize the team's performance.
As Shaheen Afridi prepares to lead the ODI side against South Africa next month, the questions surrounding Rizwan's removal and the alleged reasons behind it are likely to linger, casting a shadow over Pakistan's preparations and raising concerns about the internal dynamics of the national team.
