The Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing for sweeping changes to its men’s T20 set-up after the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with captain Salman Ali Agha likely to lose his position irrespective of the team’s final standing.
According to a PTI report citing a reliable PCB source, chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been deeply dissatisfied with Pakistan’s campaign at the marquee event, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan remain mathematically alive in the semifinal race but require a massive victory over Sri Lanka to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate and secure second place in Group 2.
“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 quoted source said.
Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi in the Frame
The report states that Naqvi has already decided to remove Agha after the tournament and will hold detailed discussions with head coach Mike Hesson and the selection committee regarding the team’s future direction.
Leg-spinner Shadab Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi are being considered as potential successors.
However, appointing either would extend Pakistan cricket’s ongoing leadership instability. Afridi was named T20I captain in 2024 but was removed after just one series — a 4-1 defeat to New Zealand. Shadab, meanwhile, has led the side in six T20Is, winning only two.
Transition Toward Youth?
The report further claims that head coach Mike Hesson had indicated even before the tournament that Pakistan needed to transition toward younger players to meet the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket.
Several senior players are reportedly under scrutiny. The source suggested that Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and a few others could see the curtain fall on their T20 international careers after the World Cup.
Former skipper Babar Azam remains the highest run-scorer in T20 internationals globally. Yet, his place in the side has increasingly come under debate, with critics questioning his strike rate and adaptability in a format that prioritises power-hitting and high-tempo batting.
A Pivotal Moment for Pakistan Cricket
With internal unrest brewing and performance concerns mounting, the upcoming weeks could define the next phase of Pakistan’s T20 evolution. Whether the PCB opts for continuity or a bold reset, significant changes appear imminent as the team looks to rebuild for future global tournaments.
