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Shadab Khan to replace Agha Salman as PAK T20I captain before 2026 World Cup: Report

Debashis Sarangi

Agha Salman could be replaced by Shadab Khan [Source: AFP]Agha Salman could be replaced by Shadab Khan [Source: AFP]

In a development that could send shockwaves among the Pakistan cricket fanatics, veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan is likely to replace Agha Salman as the T20I captain. Shadab, who missed the Asia Cup due to a shoulder injury, is steadily recovering and might make his T20I return in the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in November. 

Shadab Khan to lead Pakistan, Agha Salman to be sacked: Report

Shadab Khan was one of the most notable absentees from Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup 2025. However, as he continues to recover from the injury, a PTI report has claimed that the experienced cricketer is set to replace the existing captain, Agha Salman, as the skipper in T20Is. 

Shadab currently serves as Pakistan's official vice-captain; however, the PCB didn't name his formal successor when the injury setback sidelined him from the Asia Cup. Now, the Press Trust of India has reported that Shadab will not only make his T20I comeback but also succeed Agha Salman as Pakistan's T20I captain. 

Why Shadab Khan is an upgrade over Agha Salman in T20Is

Although Agha Salman has led Pakistan to 17 wins in 30 T20Is, his own form has massively dipped in recent times. The right-handed batter was one of Pakistan's major disappointments in the Asia Cup, managing only 72 runs at a miserable average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89. Added to that, Pakistan lost thrice to India in the Asia Cup, further jeopardising Salman's future as the T20I skipper. 

His failure led to Pakistan's dismal performance in the middle order. More importantly, Shadab Khan, being an all-rounder, can be directly allotted Agha Salman's place in the middle-order. While Salman didn't bowl much in the Asia Cup, Shadab can definitely be an upgrade over him, adding immense value as a true all-rounder. 

In 112 T20Is, Shadab Khan has amassed 792 runs at a strike rate of 140.2 while scalping 112 wickets in the format. He has also showcased leadership qualities for Islamabad United, powering them to the title in the Pakistan Super League. Thus, if he is appointed as Pakistan's T20I captain, it can solve multiple problems for the Men in Green before next year's T20 World Cup.