Salman Ali Agha Expected to Take Over as Pakistan’s All-Format Captain

Following impressive performances, Salman Ali Agha, currently the T20I captain, is likely to be named the all-format skipper for the national cricket team. Sources familiar with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest this decision comes after Agha’s displays impressed selectors and the new white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson.

The 31-year-old was initially designated as the T20I captain for the Zimbabwe series, allowing regular captain Mohammad Rizwan to rest.

However, Salman’s clarity of thought and leadership qualities during his brief tenure have made a strong impression on the selection committee, coach Hesson, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Sources stated, “The selection committee, head coach Hesson, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi are aligned in their view that Salman should lead in all formats, as he has showcased impressive qualities.”

An official announcement is anticipated following the Eid holidays.

This development suggests that Rizwan’s standing with the PCB and selection committee, which is greatly affected by Aaqib Javed, has diminished.

Sources further noted that the strained relationship between the wicketkeeper batter and Aaqib, particularly during the recent 3-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand, has played a part in his declining favor.

The right-handed batter’s public expressions of concern regarding his limited influence in selection matters during the New Zealand tour also drew criticism. The ODI series defeat came on the heels of Pakistan’s early exit in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Test captain Shan Masood is also reportedly at risk of being removed after Pakistan’s struggles under his leadership, having lost nine of 12 Test matches since December 2023.

A significant setback was the 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh, marking Pakistan’s first-ever loss to the lower-ranked team. In addition, Pakistan only managed a 1-1 draw against the West Indies last year.

As a result, Pakistan is currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, ranking ninth out of nine teams, a considerable decline from their fifth and seventh-place finishes in the previous two WTC cycles.

Sources added, “Masood’s captaincy was viewed as unimpressive and timid, making his removal likely. Furthermore, Masood’s individual performance was lacking, paving the way for Salman to succeed him.”

Pakistan’s upcoming schedule includes a three-match T20I series in Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24, followed by a three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies in August.

In Test cricket, Pakistan will host South Africa for a two-match series in October. For the WTC fourth cycle (2025-2027), Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and New Zealand and will tour Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England.