
The wicketkeeping position is considered one of the most significant and demanding roles in cricket. Yet, it’s often described as not being for everyone, given how highly challenging it is.
There’s a solid reason why it’s considered the toughest job in cricket—not merely because it involves stopping byes or catching edges behind the stumps, but because it’s a true form of art. This art demands incredible focus and lightning-fast reflexes.
From quickly mastering the game’s fundamentals to making split-second decisions, the wicketkeeper often ends the day feeling battered and bruised. Despite this, the wicketkeeper remains one of the most crucial players on the team.
The weight of responsibility transforms into something far greater when a wicketkeeper steps into the shoes of a captain. Now, they must be more involved in decision-making than ever before. From DRS reviews to field placements and boosting players’ confidence, wicketkeepers shoulder a deeply integral role that goes beyond their usual responsibilities.
But the question arises: Are wicketkeepers truly proven leaders? Well, we’ve witnessed some remarkable wicketkeeper-captains worldwide who not only elevated the game but also reshaped how the world perceives it. From the phenomenal Andy Flower leading Zimbabwe to the epitome of composure to Kumar Sangakkara displaying exceptional leadership qualities, cricket has seen elite wicketkeepers who thrived as leaders. From AB de Villiers’ 360-degree decision-making on the field to Jos Buttler’s white-ball wizardry, who could forget MS Dhoni, aka Captain Cool, who built a legacy of extraordinary leadership by bringing glory to India on multiple occasions.
When considering Pakistan cricket, it is evident that Pakistani wicketkeepers have had a strong connection with leading the side. From Imtiaz Ahmad to Wasim Bari, and from Moin Khan to Sarfaraz Ahmed, several of these wicketkeeper-players have ended up captaining the Pakistani side, with a few of them achieving wonderful results.
Imtiaz Ahmad was the first wicketkeeper to ever have the honour of captaining the side. He captained Pakistan in just four matches, but the tradition of wicketkeepers leading the team started here. From there, the mantle passed through the hands of Wasim Bari and Majid Khan, and the art of wicketkeepers leading the team became a tradition—that shaped the course of Pakistan cricket over the years.
But Pakistan’s golden age of wicketkeepers excelling in the art of leadership began with Moin Khan’s captaincy. He was a smart and effective leader. Under his watch, Pakistan played 13 Tests—securing victory in 4, tasting defeat in 2, and settling for draws in 7. In ODIs, his leadership sparkled, with 20 wins out of 34 matches.
Following Moin, Rashid Latif stepped in, carrying forward the legacy of brilliance. Known for his grit and tactical mind, Rashid led Pakistan in 6 Test matches, winning 4, losing just 1, and drawing 1. In 25 ODIs under his captaincy, Pakistan triumphed in 13 and narrowly lost 12.
Since the removal of Rashid Latif, Pakistan struggled to entrust a wicketkeeper with the responsibility of leading the side for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until the departure of one of Pakistan’s most successful captains, Misbah-ul-Haq, that the mantle was passed to another wicketkeeper—Sarfraz Ahmed.

Pakistan’s last trophy win was in 2017 under Sarfraz’s captaincy, which provided significant relief and boosted his image as a leader. Even though Sarfraz had a good run as a captain in terms of consistency, it was the trophy win that truly elevated his standing. Overall, under Sarfraz’s captaincy, Pakistan won 61 out of 100 matches with a win percentage of 61. With T20s being his strongest suit—he led the team to victory in 29 out of 37 matches, even bagging a record 11 consecutive T20I series wins.
Sarfraz’s removal from the side in 2019 quietly closed another door for wicketkeepers to lead the team for years to come. Yet, in the midst of this transition, Pakistan’s premier batter and first-choice wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan, emerged as a beacon of potential. He was considered a potential future captain and consistently showcased his leadership skills in domestic cricket and the PSL.
It’s safe to say that Rizwan was one of the most deserving players to take on the captaincy. He had the best winning percentage in the PSL and led his team to the finals four times straight, even securing a trophy once. Honestly, it was just a matter of time before Pakistan decided to hand him the captaincy.
But the question remains –would Rizwan prove to be the great captain he seems destined to be? Could he truly rise to the challenge? His track record in domestic cricket and the PSL suggests he has the potential to defy expectations. With a couple of domestic tournament victories under his belt, the signs are promising.
Rizwan’s journey as captain has started off with promise. Even though T20 results haven’t been as impressive, in ODIs, he seems to have broken free from the shackles. He led his side to victories in the ODI series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, showing signs of a leader who can take charge when it matters most.
The most impressive thing about Rizwan as leader of the side is his remarkable character, sharp field placements, and smart decision-making. He confidently entrusts part-timers with key roles, encourages his players, and consistently gives his best. Will he continue the great legacy of Pakistan’s wicketkeepers, changing the art of wicketkeeping? Only time will tell.