Speculation Surrounds Pakistan’s Test Captaincy: Agha Salman in Contention?

KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali sparked considerable discussion on Wednesday by suggesting that all-rounder Salman Ali Agha could be in line to captain the national Test team, with the potential to lead in all three formats of the game.

Recent reports have pointed toward a significant change in Pakistan’s leadership structure, with Saud Shakeel reportedly the leading candidate to take over the Test captaincy from Shan Masood.

The 29-year-old middle-order batsman, who currently holds the position of vice-captain, is reportedly a key component of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) planned structural reforms.

However, Basit Ali’s recent social media post on X (formerly Twitter) congratulating Salman Ali Agha on potentially becoming Pakistan’s captain across all formats has introduced a surprising twist, catching many fans off guard.

While the PCB has not yet released an official statement, sources suggest that a final decision is expected soon, with Saud Shakeel still under consideration.

This potential leadership change comes as Pakistan aims to revitalize its red-ball cricket, potentially including adjustments to the Test coaching staff.

Shan Masood, appointed Test captain in November 2023, has been criticized for inconsistent results. During his tenure, Pakistan played 12 Test matches, securing only three victories and suffering nine defeats.

Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 cycle has been disappointing.

The team is currently positioned ninth in the points standings, having experienced series whitewashes against Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa.

Their only series victories were against Sri Lanka and England, and they drew a two-match series against the West Indies.

Notably, Pakistan’s next Test series is scheduled for October 2025, when South Africa will tour the country for two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is.