Who will be Mohammad Rizwan’s deputy if he becomes Pakistan’s white-ball captain?

The Pakistan cricket team is deliberating over Mohammad Rizwan's appointment as its new white-ball captain following Babar Azam's resignation.

Rizwan, currently the team's vice-captain, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the role. However, talks are underway about selecting a suitable deputy, with four potential candidates being considered: Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Shaheen Afridi.

According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing separate captains for the ODI and T20I formats or naming a strong vice-captain who can support Rizwan by managing leadership duties when he needs to rest.

A source within the PCB noted that workload management is a crucial concern for the team’s coaching staff, including Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, who have expressed reservations about Rizwan’s ability to handle the extensive international calendar ahead.

“Mohammad Rizwan is the obvious choice for white-ball captaincy,” the source explained, “but with 18 ODIs and T20Is scheduled in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa from November to December, followed by further series, the selectors are worried about his workload.”

Rizwan is set to lead Pakistan through a busy period that includes engagements in the ICC Champions Trophy, a two-test series against South Africa, and other high-profile series. The decision on who will support him as vice-captain or potentially take charge in one of the white-ball formats is yet to be finalised.