Ex-Cricketer Eager for This Player to become Pakistan Captain
A close up image of a professional cricketer playing in batsman position wearing cricket whites and safety helmet, having just hit a ball during a cricket match in an outdoor stadium full of spectators. The action occurs under an evening sky at sunset. Stadium is fake, created from photographic and CG elements.
Mohammad Rizwan may find his tenure as captain of the Pakistan cricket team coming to an abrupt close following their unceremonious exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Former cricketers have begun offering suggestions of potential candidates who might take up Rizwan’s role should he leave, with former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria being one such expert who made this suggestion for Pakistan’s new captain.
Kaneria recently highlighted Fakhar Zaman as her pick to lead Pakistan, noting his fearless style and the significant contributions he would bring to their team as captain. Kaneria noted, stating, “He brings an extra edge. He adds an edge.”
Kaneria noted Fakhar was sorely missed as Pakistan played India without him due to an injury, noting he’s an integral X-factor player who should not be underestimated.
Kaneria expressed disappointment with Pakistan team management’s current setup, suggesting Fakhar may not receive enough support due to concerns it would undermine Babar Azam and Rizwan’s dominance—and their respective captaincies’ supremacy over Fakhar as captains of Pakistan—though “he doesn’t receive much backing,” Kaneria suggested, since “it could disrupt Babar and Rizwan’s dominance.
Yet, he remains a hardworking and courageous player who deserves greater assistance than what currently is available. But I believe Fakhar can deliver.
Pakistan’s former spinner further condemned their selection process, calling for one that prioritizes performance-driven selection over captain connections or public relations considerations.
Kaneria asserted that players who fail to meet performance criteria should be held responsible. “Those failing to produce results must be held accountable. Strict guidelines should exist instead of choosing teams based on friendship and PR,” Kaneria lamented, noting, “When building teams for your country, personal interests shouldn’t come first.”.
Discussion of replacing Rizwan as Pakistan captain may appear premature at present; however, his standing within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may change quickly over time as goodwill wanes rapidly in his favor. With modern cricket demanding ever higher performance standards in side formation and management structures alike requiring modernist approaches for effective performances to exist on the field, PCB may take decisive measures against team management as it develops their squad to meet those demands.
