Pakistan One Day Captain: Shaheen Afridi Leads the ODI Side into a New Era
Pakistan’s one day captain is Shaheen Shah Afridi — handed the ODI leadership in November 2025 after Mohammad Rizwan’s white-ball stint ended. The left-arm quick is the spearhead of Pakistan’s attack and now the man setting its fields. This guide covers his appointment, his squad, and the ODI road ahead.
Quick answer: Pakistan’s ODI captain is Shaheen Shah Afridi (since November 2025). He leads Pakistan into the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England (18–31 October 2026, final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore), with Salman Ali Agha and Babar Azam in his squad. It is a fast bowler leading Pakistan’s 50-over side — a rarity in the country’s captaincy history.
The appointment
Shaheen replaced Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain in November 2025, ending Rizwan’s white-ball leadership after roughly a year in charge (Rizwan had taken both limited-overs roles in late 2024). The PCB kept faith with Shaheen through 2026: when the October 2026 squads were announced — the same announcement that made Sahibzada Farhan T20I captain — Shaheen was confirmed to continue leading the ODI side. It makes him one of the few specialist fast bowlers to captain Pakistan in ODIs, following in the footsteps of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
The tri-series squad
For the October 2026 tri-series against Sri Lanka and England, Shaheen leads a 16-man squad: Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim. The mix is deliberate — proven performers (Babar, Fakhar, Naseem) alongside the young core being groomed across formats. The series opens on 18 October with Pakistan vs Sri Lanka; the final is at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on 31 October.
Shaheen’s leadership style
Shaheen leads from the front with the new ball — his opening spells have defined Pakistan’s white-ball cricket for years. As captain, his challenge is the classic fast-bowler’s dilemma: managing his own workload while reading the game for ten others. Early signs are of an attacking instincts-first leader, quick to bring back his strike bowlers and unafraid of bold field settings. His brief 2024 T20I captaincy stint (one series in New Zealand) was cut short before it could develop; the ODI role is his proper apprenticeship.
The ODI road ahead
The tri-series is the immediate test, but the ODI calendar beyond it will define Shaheen’s tenure — with the next 50-over World Cup cycle underway, every series is a building block. His partnership with the other two captains matters too: Babar Azam (Tests) and Sahibzada Farhan (T20Is) complete a leadership group that must pull in one direction. For the full current picture, see Pakistan’s 2026 captains across formats.
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Pakistan ODI captain: FAQs
Who is the Pakistan one day captain?
Shaheen Shah Afridi — ODI captain since November 2025, when he replaced Mohammad Rizwan.
Has a fast bowler captained Pakistan in ODIs before?
Yes — Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis both led Pakistan in ODIs during the 1990s. Shaheen is the latest in that line.
Who is in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the October 2026 tri-series?
Shaheen (capt), Abrar, Agha, Minhas, Babar, Faheem, Fakhar, Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab, Sufiyan Moqim.
When is the ODI tri-series final?
31 October 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore — Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England contest the tri-series from 18 October.
