Mohammad Rizwan’s sudden removal as Pakistan’s ODI captain has set off a storm of debate in cricketing and political circles alike.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that Shaheen Shah Afridi will take over the captaincy ahead of the upcoming home series against South Africa.
Although the PCB hasn’t officially explained the decision, a report by TimesofIndia.com suggests that Rizwan’s refusal to endorse betting-related sponsors may have cost him the leadership role.
Sources close to the board reportedly said that Rizwan had made it clear he would not promote companies linked to betting, a position that clashed with some of the PCB’s sponsorship agreements.
Rizwan’s stance is consistent with his earlier actions. During the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he had declined to wear a jersey featuring a betting company’s logo, choosing a sponsor-free version instead.
Rizwan’s principled approach, rooted in personal and religious beliefs, has reignited discussions about the role of ethics and faith in modern sports sponsorship, especially in Pakistan, where gambling is not only illegal but also socially and religiously condemned.
