LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, along with senior batter Babar Azam, is expected to meet with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the coming days to discuss selection issues in the T20I squad and to push for greater authority in his captaincy role.
According to sources close to the matter, Rizwan is reportedly upset about being sidelined, along with Babar, for the recent five-match T20I series. The series saw new faces introduced under the leadership of interim captain Agha Salman, a move that left Rizwan seeking clarity about his exclusion.
“Rizwan is looking to speak with the PCB chief at the earliest opportunity to understand the reasoning behind his omission from the T20 squad,” one source revealed.
Rizwan, who was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October last year, was rested for a series in Zimbabwe but was later recalled to lead the T20I side against South Africa. However, following his exclusion in recent matches, his future in the T20 format has become uncertain.
Speaking after Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI series defeat to New Zealand, Rizwan had expressed his dissatisfaction with how the T20I decisions were made:
“I can’t comment on T20s — it’s not my domain. Just like in ODIs, many decisions are not in my control. We were neither informed nor consulted about the T20I selections, but we accepted it as we’ve done in the past.”
Insiders also noted friction between Rizwan and interim head coach Aaqib Javed, particularly regarding team selection for the first two games. Rizwan reportedly advocated for a bowling-heavy lineup featuring five regular bowlers, but the team played with only four specialists, relying on part-timers Salman Agha and Irfan Khan to fill the gap. The decision backfired as the duo gave away a combined 118 runs.
“Rizwan is expected to ask for more control over team selection,” a source added. “If those powers are not granted, he may consider stepping down as ODI captain.”
Meanwhile, the PCB is said to be in talks with several international candidates to replace Aaqib Javed as head coach. Former Pakistani cricketers are also being considered for the role.
The national squad will be tied up with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) until May 18, after which they will host Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series.
