Pakistan's newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has shared his enthusiasm ahead of the three-match home series against South Africa. Shaheen spoke about speculation surrounding his leadership decisions during the New Zealand series, adding that the changes were not his personal choices.
South Africa will field a second-string squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, with several senior players unavailable. Skipper Temba Bavuma has been sidelined due to injury, while fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen have been rested. Young batter Matthew Breetzke will take over the captaincy.
Shaheen Afridi Takes Over ODI Captaincy from Mohammad RizwanShaheen Shah Afridi replaced Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain ahead of the South Africa series. Rizwan, who took over the 50-over leadership last year, had guided Pakistan to series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but disappointing results in 2025 led to his removal.