Salman Agha Set to Lead Pakistan in All Formats After Winning Over Selectors and Coaches: Report

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Lahore, June 6: In what could be a transformative moment for Pakistan cricket, Salman Agha is set to be named captain of the national team across all three formats.

According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the 31-year-old all-rounder has earned the trust of selectors, newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) top brass with his sharp cricketing acumen and leadership clarity.

Salman, who was recently appointed as T20I captain for the Zimbabwe leg of Pakistan's ongoing tour, led the side in the absence of regular skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who was rested. Despite the limited window, Agha's leadership style-marked by calmness, clarity, and tactical awareness-has impressed not just Hesson and the selection committee, but also PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The report further indicates that the PCB, Hesson, and chief selector Aaqib Javed are unanimously backing Salman's appointment as all-format captain. An official announcement is expected shortly after the Eid Al-Adha holidays.

Fall of Rizwan and Masood Clears the Path

Salman's elevation signals a major leadership reshuffle within Pakistan cricket. Current ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has seemingly lost favour with decision-makers, particularly Aaqib Javed.

Their strained relationship dates back to the recent New Zealand tour, where Pakistan lost the ODI series 3-0. Rizwan had publicly criticized the lack of leadership autonomy in squad selection, a move that reportedly did not sit well with influential figures in the board.

The collapse in New Zealand was preceded by a dismal showing at the ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan failed to make it out of the group stage. Combined with growing backstage tension, Rizwan's hold on the leadership role has weakened significantly.

Similarly, Test captain Shan Masood is also on his way out following a forgettable stint at the helm. Since taking over in December 2023, Pakistan have managed just three wins in 12 Tests, including a humiliating 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh-their first ever against the lower-ranked side. They also managed only a 1-1 draw against a rebuilding West Indies team.

Masood's captaincy has been criticised for lacking aggression and tactical flair. With his own form dipping as well, the PCB sees Agha as a more dynamic and unifying presence to guide the red-ball team into the new World Test Championship cycle.

Start of a New Era in Pakistan Cricket?

Pakistan's next assignment is a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24, followed by five T20Is against the West Indies - partly hosted in the United States and the Caribbean. On the Test front, they are set to host South Africa for a two-match series in October.

During the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, Pakistan will also play home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, with away tours lined up in Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England.

If confirmed, Salman Agha's all-format captaincy will mark the beginning of a new era, one that seeks to turn the page on Pakistan's recent struggles and unify the team under a fresh, pragmatic leader.