Pakistan is set to replace T20I captain Salman Agha following three consecutive defeats to India in the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan to Replace Salman Agha as T20I Captain After Asia Cup Defeats
Pakistan is set to remove Salman Agha as T20I captain following three consecutive losses to arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025. According to PTI, the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to appoint all-rounder Shadab Khan as his replacement, framing the move as a strategic reset ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The decision comes after Pakistan’s winless record against India during the tournament. The Men in Green fell to their neighbors in the Group A clash on September 14, again in the Super Fours on September 21, and most critically in the final on September 28.
The final proved particularly painful. Pakistan were well-placed at 113 for one but collapsed spectacularly, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs to be all out for 146. India’s left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was instrumental, taking 4 for 30 and exploiting Pakistan’s vulnerability against quality spin.
Salman Agha struggled with the bat throughout the tournament, scoring just 72 runs in seven matches at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.90. Coupled with criticism over his captaincy decisions, the hat-trick of defeats to India underscored the need for change, prompting Pakistan’s cricket board to act ahead of the next T20 World Cup.
Why Shaadab Khan?
As reported by PTI, Shadab is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to assume the captaincy upon his return next month. His dual role as a middle-over spinner and lower-order batter adds vital balance to a squad that has struggled to find the right combination.