![Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780113240539_MohammadRizwan.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan [Source: AFP]
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has strongly denied reports suggesting that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s exclusion from the upcoming ODI series against Australia means his international career is over.
Recently, Pakistan announced their squad for the three-match ODI series against world champions Australia. While the squad included several new faces, Rizwan’s absence became the main talking point among fans.
Mohmmad Rizwan Left Out Of The ODI Squad vs Australia
Mohammad Rizwan, who has scored 2,979 runs in 103 ODI matches, was not selected for the series. Notably, his omission came shortly after Pakistan’s ODI series against Bangladesh, where he managed only 54 runs across three matches.
At the same time, Pakistan included three uncapped players, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and Rohail Nazir, in a strong 16-member squad. Several senior players, including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Sufyan Moqim, also returned after missing the Bangladesh series.
Shaheen Afridi Says Rizwan’s Career Is Not Over
Speaking at a pre-series press conference at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Shaheen Afridi made it clear that Rizwan still has a future in international cricket.
Shaheen Afridi, who replaced Rizwan as Pakistan’s ODI captain after the team’s loss to the West Indies in August 2025, pointed to examples of players who returned successfully after being dropped.
He said: "Just because Mohammad Rizwan is not part of this series does not mean his career is over. I was dropped once and came back. Babar was also out of the side and has returned."
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan To Be Punished By PCB Before Australia Series
Pakistan Looking At New Talent
Furthermore, Shaheen Afridi explained that the selection decision was mainly aimed at giving young players a chance to prove themselves. According to him, Pakistan wants to test different combinations ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
He added: "You have to give opportunities to other players as well. Rohail and Ghazi are both talented cricketers, and if you want to prepare properly for a World Cup, then different players need to be tested."
Shaheen also emphasized that a player’s future depends on hard work and performance. He stated: "No player's career can be finished by you or by me. If someone is working hard and performing, then Allah will reward him with more opportunities."
Mohammad Rizwan Replaced By Rohail Nazir
It is important to note that Mohammad Rizwan, who previously led Pakistan to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa after becoming captain in late 2024, struggled during the Bangladesh tour. He scored only 54 runs at an average of 19.33.
As a result, fellow wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir was selected for the Australia series. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ghazi Ghouri retained his place in the squad after making his ODI debut against Bangladesh in March.
Interestingly, Rizwan’s omission came only hours after reports claimed that Pakistan’s team management was considering a new approach in white-ball cricket. Those reports suggested that Rizwan was not part of long-term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
Mike Hesson Explains The Decision
Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson addressed the issue and explained why Rizwan was not selected. Hesson said,
“There is confidence in our white-ball team. We have made real progress over the last 12 months. When I arrived, Mohammad Rizwan was not part of the T20 squad, and he was certainly not the captain, so he has not been playing T20 cricket since I have been involved."
The three-match series against Australia is scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 4.
Also Read: PAK vs AUS Head To Head Records- Australia Tour Of Pakistan 2026, 1st ODI
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