PCB think tank wants Aga to continue as T20I captain

Shadab Khan expected to make comeback in Sri Lanka series

KARACHI:

Salman Ali Aga leadership style has won over the “think tank,” and there is now a strong possibility that he will remain captain until the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Shadab Khan is expected to return to the squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Details reveal that the T20 World Cup will be played in February and March, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Salman Aga currently leads the Pakistan team. Some circles had speculated that Shadab Khan could return as captain, while others believed Shaheen Shah Afridi might be handed the responsibility.
However, a senior PCB official confirmed that Salman is likely to continue as captain for the mega event.
Another official from the “think tank” added that Salman has put the team back on a winning track through his leadership qualities. The team’s fighting spirit has returned under his tenure, and the players now seem united, giving their all for one purpose the team’s victory. Therefore, there appears to be no need for any change in leadership.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan has recorded the most T20 International wins (21) among full-member teams in 2025. Salman has captained 38 of his 40 T20 Internationals, scoring 671 runs at an average of 24.85.
With 23 wins as captain, he has become Pakistan’s third most successful T20I captain behind Babar Azam (48 wins) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (29 wins). Under his leadership, Pakistan recently won a Tri-Nation Series and reached the final of the Asia Cup.
While Salman’s captaincy has been praised, some questions have been raised about his performance as a batter. However, he silenced some critics with an unbeaten 63 against Sri Lanka in the recent Tri-Nation Series.
On the other hand, Shadab Khan is expected to return to international action as a regular player for the Sri Lanka series. He last played in June during the home series against Bangladesh. Shadab underwent shoulder surgery in London some months ago and, after regaining fitness, has been training vigorously at NCA Lahore.
Although he lacks recent match practice, selectors and team management are reportedly satisfied with his fitness. His performance will be further evaluated during the Big Bash League, which begins on December 14.
Selected Pakistani cricketers will depart next week for the Australian event, while players taking part in the Sri Lanka series will be recalled afterward.