LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reacted to media reports regarding Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood captaincy replacement.
PCB strongly rejected reports suggesting that Rizwan and Masood were being replaced as captains of the national white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively.
As per the statement issued by PCB Media Manager Syed Nazir Ahmed, “the board dismissed the claims as baseless and fabricated. The reports had speculated that Salman Ali Agha would take over ODI captaincy from Rizwan and Saud Shakeel would replace Masood as Test captain.”
The PCB clarified that no such proposals were under consideration by the Selection Committee, and there had been no changes to the players’ contract categories.
Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi clarified any involvement in dropping Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025.
The matches are going to take place in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.
The duo ultimately failed to make it to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup as the former champions shift their focus to grooming youngsters ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Naqvi said, ““First of all, I do not have a one per cent role in selecting or dropping anyone. We have a selection committee and advisory body; they sit together and hold several lengthy meetings [to select the team],” said Naqvi.
“Definitely, if they are selecting a team, so I have full faith in them. They are professional, and I instructed them to make the decisions on merit.
“Rest, whatever the lot was available, we polished them and carried forward, and by the will of Almighty Allah, our strive would be to further explore young talent so that the competition grows.”
Addressing media in Dubai during Pakistan’s preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming fixtures, Shaheen said that “Tomorrow I might not be playing either. It’s not necessary that I ask why I’m not playing. Everyone should get opportunities,” he said.
“Rizwan and Babar are world-class players and have played excellent cricket for Pakistan, and they will play in the future as well,” Shaheen remarked.
“Everyone gets an opportunity, and they should seize those chances. I think the more we support our youngsters, the better. We shouldn’t criticise them, saying, “They are new, they haven’t done anything yet.”
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