Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha is expected to remain at the helm through the T20 World Cup 2026, following impressive performances and strong leadership that have won the confidence of tea management, officials said.
Sources indicated that the team’s fighting spirit under Agha has particularly impressed selectors and officials, who noted that players are more unified and committed on the field compared to previous campaigns. “Salman’s leadership has put the team on a winning track. Players are working together and fighting for victory, leaving no need for a captaincy change,” a PCB official associated with the team’s think tank said Meanwhile, Shadab Khan is anticipated to return to the squad for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. He has been training intensively at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore following shoulder surgery in London and will have his match fitness assessed during the Big Bash League.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled for February–March 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Under Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan recently won a tri-series and reached the Asia Cup final, further cementing his credentials.
Statistically, Salman Ali Agha has captained Pakistan in 38 of his 40 T20I matches, scoring 671 runs at an average of 24.85, with 23 wins, making him the third most successful T20 captain in Pakistan’s history after Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
While Agha’s captaincy is widely praised, his recent batting form has drawn scrutiny, though he scored 63 not out against Sri Lanka in the tri-series. Shadab Khan, last seen in action in June against Bangladesh, is expected to strengthen the team’s bowling and all-round balance upon his return.
The Sri Lanka tour is set to begin soon, with Pakistani players departing next week and returning post-series.
