Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly unhappy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the national team’s poor outing in the Champions Trophy 2025, where they failed to win a single game and exited at the group stage. According to Telecom Asia Sport, Rizwan is frustrated with how both he and Babar Azam were treated post-tournament, especially regarding their exclusion from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series.
Rizwan, Babar Dropped Amid T20 Shift
After Pakistan’s disappointing Champions Trophy performance, the PCB selectors decided to shift focus towards building a more aggressive T20 team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. As a result, seasoned players Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were dropped, and a new-look side was announced under the captaincy of Salman Agha for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand.
Rizwan Wants More Control — Or He May Step Down
Sources close to the matter claim that Rizwan and Babar are planning to meet PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the coming days to seek clarity on their future in Pakistan’s T20 setup.
According to the report, Rizwan is unhappy with the lack of decision-making power he holds as captain and may consider resigning from the ODI captaincy if not granted more authority in team selections.
“Rizwan will seek more power in the selection of the playing XI, and if not given full authority, he might step down from his role as ODI captain,” said a PCB insider quoted by the outlet.
A Growing Rift in Pakistan Cricket?
This development raises questions about internal rifts within Pakistan cricket, especially as two of the team’s most senior players feel sidelined. Rizwan’s frustration signals a possible leadership and communication gap between players and PCB selectors.
If Rizwan follows through on his resignation threat, Pakistan may find itself in yet another leadership transition just months ahead of a major ICC tournament.
What’s Next for Rizwan and Babar?
All eyes will be on the upcoming meeting between Rizwan, Babar, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The outcome could determine the leadership direction of the Pakistan team and the future roles of two of its most experienced players.
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