Salman and Mike Hesson Discuss South Africa Series and T20 World Cup 2026 Strategy

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated its backing for T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, despite the national team’s underwhelming performance in the recent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.

Sources indicate that Salman and head coach Mike Hesson recently engaged in extensive conversations regarding the forthcoming white-ball series against South Africa and the groundwork for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Reportedly, both are highly committed to improving and solidifying the team’s composition leading up to the major tournament.

A meeting involving the team management’s strategists and the selection committee is anticipated in the coming days, while a white-ball training session is likely to occur during the Test series against South Africa.

The roster of potential players for the training camp will be revealed shortly.

Early indications suggest that the potential comeback of former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the T20 format seems improbable, as the PCB and team management have voiced complete confidence in Salman’s leadership.

The right-handed batsman is slated to bat at the number three position in the series against South Africa. Salman has accumulated 561 runs across 32 T20Is at a strike rate of 110.21, although he only secured 72 runs in seven matches during the Asia Cup.

While his recent form has sparked critique, Hesson and the PCB are hesitant to initiate any leadership alterations before the World Cup, choosing instead to sustain consistency.

Meanwhile, opener Saim Ayub, who encountered a challenging Asia Cup with four ducks in seven matches and was subsequently omitted from the Test squad, continues to receive the management’s support in white-ball cricket.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris also maintains his position, although alternative fast bowlers may be assessed in place of Haris Rauf.

Sources also disclosed that while Hesson and Salman expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s defeat in the Asia Cup final, they are resolute in providing the existing squad with consistent opportunities to foster assurance and unity ahead of the World Cup.