Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha continues to receive strong backing from selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains concerned about his form and leadership, media reports have stated.
According to reports, discussions are taking place within the board regarding Agha’s future as captain. The selectors and Hesson believe in maintaining continuity, arguing that another change so close to the T20 World Cup would not be wise.
However, Agha’s personal form has raised serious questions. He scored just 72 runs in seven Asia Cup matches at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89. PCB officials are also unhappy with several of his decisions during the Asia Cup, including those made in the final against India.
Under Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan have played 30 T20 internationals, winning 17 and losing 13. During this period, he has scored 557 runs, including four half-centuries.
Reports revealed that during a recent meeting, selectors defended Agha’s performance by citing India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who also scored 72 runs in the Asia Cup with an average of 18. Coach Hesson insisted that consistency in decision-making and leadership would eventually bring positive results.
The board has also considered handing back the T20 captaincy to Shaheen Afridi, but both the selectors and Hesson opposed the idea. Surprisingly, they also objected to Babar Azam’s return to the T20 squad, suggesting that young players should continue to get opportunities.
During the Asia Cup, the PCB had planned to send a senior batter to strengthen the lineup, but injury-related restrictions prevented any changes to the squad.
Despite his struggles with the bat, the selectors and coach still view Salman Ali Agha as a smart and developing captain.
Pakistan’s next T20 assignment will be a three-match series against South Africa on October 28, 30, and November 1. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.