Pakistan’s T20 captain Agha Salman is set to continue leading the side in the upcoming home series against South Africa, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and head coach Mike Hesson showing full confidence in his leadership, according to media reports.
Reports added that Agha Salman and coach Mike Hesson have already discussed plans for the South Africa series and the ICC T20 World Cup. Both are focused on building a stable and well-balanced squad for the mega event.
Reports suggest that team management’s think tank is likely to meet the selection committee soon. A white-ball training camp could begin during the Test series against South Africa, with a list of potential players expected to be announced in the coming days.
Early indications suggest that former captains Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to make a return to the T20 squad. The management reportedly has no concerns about Agha Salman’s captaincy, and he is expected to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series.
Agha Salman, who has scored 561 runs in 32 T20Is at a strike rate of 110.21, faced criticism for his poor performance in the recent Asia Cup, where he managed just 72 runs in seven matches.
Despite the criticism, both the PCB and Hesson are not considering any captaincy change before the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, reports add that opener Saim Ayub, who was dropped from the Test squad after scoring four ducks in seven Asia Cup matches, will retain his place in white-ball cricket.
Wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris also remains safe, while selectors are considering giving new pacers a chance in place of Haris Rauf.
Reports added that Agha Salman and Hesson were disappointed with the Asia Cup final defeat but believe in giving the current squad consistent opportunities, making a recall for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan highly unlikely for the South Africa T20 series.