PCB denies reports of replacing Rizwan, Masood as captains

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied media reports suggesting impending changes in the national team’s leadership, calling the speculation “baseless” and “unfounded.”

In an official statement released today, the PCB dismissed claims that Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood were set to be replaced as captains in the ODI and Test formats respectively. “Neither the matter has been discussed in the selection committee nor has the category of any player’s contract been changed,” the statement read, adding, “All reports in this regard are baseless.”

Also read: PCB decides to replace senior players with domestic performers

The clarification comes in response to a report aired yesterday by a private news channel, which claimed that major leadership changes were being considered at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The report suggested that Salman Ali Agha was emerging as the frontrunner to take over the ODI captaincy from Rizwan, while Saud Shakeel was being lined up to replace Shan Masood in Tests.

Citing unnamed sources, the channel claimed that internal discussions had taken place between members of the selection committee, High Performance Center officials, and Salman Ali Agha prior to the team’s departure to Dubai. The report added that both Salman and Saud were viewed as long-term leadership prospects due to their consistent performances and maturity at the international level.

Furthermore, the report alleged that Shakeel’s central contract could be upgraded to Category B should he be appointed Test captain. However, the PCB has quashed all such claims, reiterating that no official discussions regarding captaincy changes or contract upgrades have taken place.

Meanwhile, the current central contract rankings appear to reflect waning confidence in some of the national team’s senior players. Last week, the PCB announced its central contracts for the 2025-2026 season, notably leaving Category A vacant for the first time.

Also read: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan demoted – PCB omits category A contracts

Former top-tier players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were both demoted to Category B, alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, and others. Saud Shakeel was placed in Category C, while current Test skipper Shan Masood was listed in Category D – a placement that raises further questions about the board’s long-term plans for both players.