Salman Ali Agha To Be Removed As Pakistan T20 Captain After World Cup

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is set to be removed from his role as T20 skipper after the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, regardless of how the team's campaign ends.

According to a reliable source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), chairman Mohsin Naqvi is "unhappy" with the way the team has performed in the tournament and has already decided on a leadership change once the World Cup concludes.

"Naqvi is not happy at all because this time he was assured by the selectors, team management and his close aides in the board that the team was set to do well in the World Cup," the source said.

Pakistan's campaign has been inconsistent, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread ahead of their final Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka. Even if they manage to qualify, it is unlikely to change the PCB chief's stance.

Who will replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan T20 Captain?

The source added that Salman's removal appears imminent and that broader changes could follow.

"Salman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and a few others will probably see curtains on their T20 international careers after the World Cup," the source said.

The PCB chief is also expected to hold detailed discussions with head coach Mike Hesson and the selection committee about the future direction of Pakistan's T20 side. The names of Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi are reportedly under consideration as potential replacements for the captaincy.

The source further revealed that Hesson had already communicated the need for transition before the tournament began.

"Hesson had told Naqvi even before the World Cup that Pakistan needed to bring in and establish younger players after the event, in order to meet the demands of modern-day T20 cricket."

As a result, sweeping changes are expected once the World Cup concludes.
"So, after the World Cup, you can expect major changes in the Pakistan T20 set-up," the source said.

Babar's Future Uncertain

Among the most significant names mentioned is Babar Azam, one of Pakistan's most experienced white-ball players with 145 T20 internationals to his name. Unless he produces an extraordinary turnaround in the remaining matches, including against Sri Lanka and potentially in the knockouts, his T20 international future appears uncertain.

With leadership under scrutiny and senior players facing possible exits, Pakistan's final World Cup games could mark the end of an era in their T20 set-up and the beginning of a generational reset.