Punished for losing to India? Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha likely to be sacked: See who will replace him: Report

After losing all 3 matches in Asia Cup 2025 against India, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is likely to lose the leadership role. Shadab Khan will replace him, according to PTI sources. Salman Ali Agha has replaced Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s T20 captain after the southpaw was dropped from the squad. Khan, Pakistan’s senior all-rounder, is recovering from a shoulder operation done in England earlier this year. As he is all set to make his comeback to Pakistan’s T20 team, he might become the captain as well. The 27-year-old last played against Bangladesh in June before being sidelined for treatment and rehabilitation. Shadab brings experience, having already represented Pakistan in 70 ODIs and 112 T20Is. Before his injury, he was the vice-captain. PTI sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reveal he is now being considered as the long-term T20 captain. Salman Ali Agha’s place was questioned after the Asia Cup. Even during the tournament, he faced severe criticism from various quarters. After Pakistan’s 2nd defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, Shoaib Akhtar slammed Salman’s place in the team. “The captain doesn’t seem to know what he’s doing, what kind of captaincy he’s providing, or how he’s playing himself. That’s the weakest part, and nobody talks about it,” said the Rawalpindi Express. “He may be a ‘good boy’, he may be a ‘good captain’ in some eyes. But what talent does he actually produce? That is the biggest question mark. He is the weakest link,” Akhtar added. The legendary fast bowler said Salman would not stand a chance against Indian players who bat in the same position, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. “Does he even deserve to play where he’s batting? That’s the biggest question. What does he actually do? He comes in at No. 6. What does he produce as a talent?” Akhtar said. While the PCB continues to publicly support Salman, it is said to view Shadab as a stronger choice for the future. Shadab is expected to return to action in the home T20 series against Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15. “He is also planning to play a domestic four-day match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy before the Sri Lanka series,” the insider told PTI. Pakistan’s T20 captains since 2020 Since 2020, Pakistan has seen several changes in the captaincy role. From 2020 to 2023, Babar Azam led Pakistan in 85 T20 matches and achieved a win rate of around 62%. Under his leadership, the team reached the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final and the 2022 final. In early 2024, Shaheen Shah Afridi briefly took charge after Babar’s resignation. He was fired after one series. Babar was reappointed in March 2024. However, he resigned again in October 2024. Mohammad Rizwan then captained the team for a short period. In March 2025, Salman Ali Agha became Pakistan’s T20I captain.