Shaheen dismisses reports of Rizwan's exclusion from World Cup discussion

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said Mohammad Rizwan's exclusion from the three-game Australia ODI series was strategic rather than a final call on his future in white-ball cricket. Citing his own exclusion from the side at one point, Shaheen said Pakistan have been giving new players opportunities as they build towards the upcoming ODI World Cup.

"Just because Mohammad Rizwan is not part of this series does not mean his career is over. I was dropped once and came back. Babar was also out of the side and has returned," Shaheen told reporters at the pre-series press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium earlier today.

Rizwan's ODI absence

Barring a one-off exclusion in 2022, when Rizwan was rested for the third ODI against the Netherlands, this marks the first time he has not been part of the ODI side since 2019.

Since 2024, only he and Salman Ali Agha have maintained an omnipresence for Pakistan in ODIs. Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson has also echoed Shaheen's stance, saying that Rizwan remains in contention, though the team will explore new options.

Building towards the World Cup

Pakistan's squad for the Australia series includes two young wicketkeeper-batters, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir. Of them, only Ghori is capped, having played one ODI game against Bangladesh earlier this year. Shaheen said the team is strategising to give younger options opportunities to ensure they are ready before the mega-event.

"You have to give opportunities to other players as well. Rohail and Ghazi are both talented cricketers, and if you want to prepare properly for a World Cup, then different players need to be tested," Shaheen stated.

"No player's career can be finished by you or by me. If someone is working hard and performing, then Allah will reward him with more opportunities."

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