Shadab Khan Likely to Replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20I Captain

Shadab Khan was reportedly set to replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20I captain after completing his rehabilitation next month.

27-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan is likely to replace Salman Ali Agha as the new captain of Pakistan’s T20I team. According to a report from news agency PTI on Thursday (October 16), Shadab, who has served as Pakistan’s T20I vice-captain in the past, is expected to lead the side after completing his rehabilitation program next month.

The all-rounder underwent shoulder surgery in England earlier this year and will make his comeback once fully fit. Shadab has so far scored 792 runs and taken 112 wickets in 112 T20I matches for Pakistan since his debut.

Shadab last represented the national team in the home series against Bangladesh in early June before being sidelined due to injury.

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PCB eyeing leadership change

His return will be significant since he is likely to replace Salman Ali Agha as the T20I captain. Before his surgery, Shadab was the vice-captain of the format and has previously led Pakistan in T20 internationals. The 27-year-old also brings extensive leadership experience from his time in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket.

Though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) currently supports Salman Ali Agha, a reliable source told PTI that Shadab is being viewed as the long-term option to lead the T20 side. There has been growing debate since the Asia Cup regarding whether Salman justifies his place in the T20 format as a player.

Targeting comeback in Sri Lanka series

According to the PTI source, Shadab is expected to return in the bilateral home series against Sri Lanka between November 11 and 15, with his rehabilitation progressing well.

Since doubts remain over the planned tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka from November 19, the selectors are expected to test Shadab during the Sri Lanka matches.

“He is planning to also play a domestic four-day game in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy before the Sri Lanka series,” the source said.

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Pakistan have a packed T20 schedule ahead of next year’s World Cup, including a home series against Australia in January, which will serve as their final preparation.

There are also discussions within the PCB about resting Shaheen Shah Afridi and dropping Haris Rauf for the Sri Lanka series to ensure they remain fresh for the T20 World Cup.