Mohammad Rizwan set to become Pakistan captain in white-ball formats?

Star Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan is poised to be named captain for both the T20I and ODI formats following Babar Azam's resignation as the white-ball skipper. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing run of performances that ultimately led to Babar stepping down. This was Babar’s second stint as captain of the national team, and his departure from the role reflects the pressure surrounding the team after a series of lackluster outings. Notably, he was dropped from Pakistan’s second Test against England due to underwhelming performances, although the board clarified that he was simply rested and not permanently removed from the squad.

In the wake of Babar’s resignation, Rizwan has emerged as a leading candidate for the captaincy. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have made him a natural choice for the role, especially since management previously experimented with Shaheen Afridi as a potential captain. As Rizwan steps into this important leadership position, there are high hopes that he will guide the team through a challenging period and instill a sense of unity and direction. His appointment marks a significant shift for Pakistan cricket, and fans are eager to see how he will navigate the team in upcoming international fixtures.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are set to make their comebacks as Pakistan prepares for the third Test against England in Rawalpindi. Despite being dropped for the previous match, both players remain integral to Pakistan's plans, particularly as the team eyes the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted in Pakistan. Babar, who recently resigned as captain, will be looking to re-establish himself on the field and contribute significantly to the team's performance. Similarly, Shaheen's return is highly anticipated, given his impact as a key bowler. Their experience and skills are expected to bolster the squad as they face England.

However, Fakhar Zaman's participation in the series is doubtful due to ongoing fitness issues, which adds another layer of challenge for the team. The absence of Zaman, a vital player in the lineup, could influence Pakistan's strategy and approach in the Test. As the team gears up for this crucial match, the focus will be on integrating Babar and Shaheen back into the side effectively while navigating the challenges posed by injuries. Following the conclusion of their Test series against England, Pakistan will shift focus to a white-ball series against Australia. The two teams are set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is, with the ODI matches scheduled to take place from November 4 to November 10, and the T20Is running from November 14 to November 18.

In their ongoing Test series, the scores are currently level after Pakistan secured a decisive 152-run victory in Multan. However, they faced a setback in the first Test, losing by an innings and 47 runs despite amassing a formidable 556 runs in their first innings. As the third Test approaches, Pakistan is keen to deliver a strong performance and seize the series lead.

This upcoming challenge against Australia will be crucial for Pakistan, as they look to build momentum and solidify their standing in both formats. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the team aims to capitalize on home advantage and showcase their skills in front of their fans. The pressure is on as they strive for success, hoping to carry the positive energy from their recent win into the white-ball series against Australia.