In a strategic move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Mohammad Rizwan as the vice-captain of the men’s national T20I team. The appointment follows a series of changes in the team’s leadership structure and board dynamics since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in 2023.

Rizwan, a proficient wicket-keeper batter, assumes the role of deputy under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took charge after Babar Azam’s resignation as captain across all three formats. The restructuring process within the team is evident, with Rizwan’s elevation to vice-captaincy in T20Is being a significant part of this transformation.

The official announcement was made by the PCB on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), solidifying Rizwan’s position as the vice-captain for the T20I team.

.@iMRizwanPak has been appointed vice-captain of Pakistan’s T20I team pic.twitter.com/0Zu6DcstML

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2024

This shift in leadership leaves Babar Azam entirely removed from any official capacity within the leadership structure. Babar had relinquished his captaincy after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, where they finished fifth with eight points from nine matches.

Babar’s struggles at the World Cup included a personal contribution of 320 runs in nine matches, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Pakistan. His average stood at 40, accompanied by a strike rate of 82.90.

Notably, Shan Masood was appointed as the Test format skipper, while Shaheen Shah Afridi took on the captaincy role for the T20 format. The landscape of Pakistan’s cricket leadership continues to evolve, ushering in a new era under the guidance of a fresh set of leaders.