Rizwan Demands Answers From PCB on T20I Snub, May Step Down as ODI Captain if Not Given Full Powers

Controversies and drama are nothing new in Pakistan cricket, and things have heated up even more after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the T20I squad. Their slow batting style was blamed for several losses and became a major concern. As a result, the selectors decided to bring in new players who could score runs at a faster rate.

The decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s T20I squad hasn’t exactly sat well with the two senior players. According to a report by IANS, both players are unhappy with how the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handled the matter and are planning to meet with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi soon to discuss their futures in the format.

What’s more, the report suggests that Rizwan, now leading the ODI side, has asked for a greater role in team selection. In fact, he’s even hinted at stepping down as captain if he doesn’t get more power in the decision-making process.

“Rizwan is due to meet the PCB chairman as soon as he gets an opportunity to seek clarity on his axing from the T20I side. Rizwan will seek more power in the selection of the playing eleven for the match, and there is a possibility that if not given full power, then he might resign from ODI captaincy,” the source said.

Coaching Instability Continues for Pakistan

The report also shed light on a heated disagreement between Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aqib Javed during the New Zealand tour. The clash reportedly stemmed from a difference in opinion over team selection. Rizwan pushed for a playing XI with five specialist bowlers, but Javed preferred using just four frontline options with part-timers Salman Agha and Irfan Khan filling in the rest of the overs.

That plan didn’t go well for Pakistan — the part-timers leaked runs allowing New Zealand to take control of the match. The poor results added fuel to the fire, sparking tension between the captain and the coach. This disagreement could now lead to possible changes in the coaching setup.

The PCB has reportedly informed Aqib Javed that he’s likely to be replaced with negotiations already on with some foreign applicants. Aqib became the man in charge in November last year but has failed to deliver the changeover the board had been anticipating.

Pakistan’s struggles continued under his watch — they were not able to win a single game in the 2025 Champions Trophy and secured only a solitary win from eight matches during the New Zealand tour. Foreign coaches have been appointed before, but the majority didn't stay long. Now it's a matter of seeing if the next appointment can at last provide some stability and consistency to the setup.