Mohammad Rizwan set to become next Pakistan Captain? Here's the update

Pakistan Cricket Board has finalised the candidate to succeed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of the team. Babar Azam relinquished his leading position of Pakistan from the white-ball format after the massive defeat of the team in the first Test against England in Multan. Subsequently, the former Test skipper was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the remaining two Tests. Now, as Babar faces a rest period before the team heads to Australia, PCB has reportedly completed the task to find the next Pakistan captain in the shorter formats of the game.

Mohammad Rizwan frontrunner to succeed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of Pakistan

Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan is on the verge of being named captain for the national team’s white-ball formats, with an official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) anticipated soon. Rizwan has become the frontrunner for the role as Pakistan gears up for tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, thanks to his consistent performances and leadership in both domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), according to a report by PTI. During recent discussions involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, national selectors, and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, Rizwan emerged as the top choice to replace Babar Azam, who stepped down from the captaincy earlier this month to focus on his batting.

"His seniority and reliability as a player, along with his experience leading teams at various levels, have made him a natural choice for this responsibility," a close source within PCB has reported.

The white-ball squad is likely to be announced by the weekend, with the team slated to head to Australia after the conclusion of the third Test against England on October 28. Key decision-makers and the recently appointed selection panel consisting of Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and former umpire Aleem Dar have been involved in the consultation process, discussing Rizwan's readiness to assume the captaincy. Pakistan will leave for the white-ball series against Australia immedietaly after wrapping up the home Test series against England on October 28. Australia, meanwhile, has already named the squad for the Pakistan Tour of Australia with Pat Cummins returning to lead the Kangaroos as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head remain unavailable per their respective paternity leaves.