Agha Salman’s T20 Captaincy: Wahab Riaz’s Recommendation Overruled Others’ Preferences

LAHORE: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi designated Agha Salman as Pakistan’s new T20 captain based on Wahab Riaz’s suggestion, sources revealed.

During internal discussions concerning the T20 captaincy for the New Zealand series, a majority favored Shadab Khan to take over the captaincy from Mohammad Rizwan.

However, Wahab Riaz, holding a prominent position within the PCB, strongly advocated for Salman’s appointment.

Prior to the New Zealand tour, a meeting took place with the inclusion of Mike Hesson, Agha Salman, Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar, and Hasan Cheema.

Selectors were consulted, with a mentor present to provide input on the selection process for the new T20 captain.

Mentors Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis could not attend due to prior commitments, while Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed advised the PCB chairman to entrust the T20 captaincy to Shadab.

Reportedly, the PCB chairman instructed the group to meet with Wahab Riaz for an hour to articulate the reasons for appointing Shadab, who was facing challenges in securing a place in the playing XI, as captain.

Subsequently, it was determined that Salman would be named skipper.

Sources further indicated that the decision was conveyed to Naqvi, stating that a consensus had been reached regarding Salman’s selection.

It was additionally disclosed that Mike Hesson, affiliated with Islamabad United, supported incorporating Shadab and other coaches from the franchise into the national team’s structure.