Lahore, June 9, 2025: Major leadership changes are reportedly on the horizon for Pakistan cricket, with Salman Ali Agha poised to be named the national team’s captain across all formats after Eid.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate that Salman has earned the backing of the selection committee, newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Initially handed the T20I captaincy for the Zimbabwe tour to rest Mohammad Rizwan, the 30-year-old has since emerged as the frontrunner to lead the side in ODIs and Tests as well.
“His clarity, calmness under pressure, and tactical leadership have impressed everyone — from the coach to the board chairman,” a source familiar with the discussions said. “There’s now consensus that Salman should be given the reins in all formats.”
An official announcement is expected shortly after the Eid holidays.
If confirmed, the move would mark the end of Mohammad Rizwan’s stint as ODI captain. His position has weakened in recent months amid reports of strained relations with PCB power broker Aaqib Javed and growing dissatisfaction over his leadership during Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI series defeat to New Zealand earlier this year.
Rizwan’s public criticism of his limited role in selection decisions during that tour reportedly did not sit well with board officials. The humiliating whitewash came shortly after Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which was hosted on home soil.
Meanwhile, Test captain Shan Masood is also likely to be replaced following a poor run in red-ball cricket. Since taking over in late 2023, Pakistan have lost 9 out of 12 Tests, including a historic 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh at home and a 1-1 draw against a weakened West Indies side.
Pakistan currently sit at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings — a steep decline from their mid-table finishes in previous cycles.
“Shan’s leadership lacked spark, and his personal form has been disappointing,” the source added. “Salman is now seen as the best candidate to bring consistency across formats.”
If confirmed as captain, Salman will have little time to settle in. Pakistan are set to play a three-match T20I series in Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24, followed by ODI and T20I series against the West Indies in August.
The Test season resumes in October when Pakistan host South Africa for two matches. In the ongoing 2025–27 WTC cycle, Pakistan will also host Sri Lanka and New Zealand, while away tours include visits to Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England.
