PCB to Announce New All-Format Captain

This move puts the captaincies of Mohammad Rizwan (ODI) and Shan Masood (Test) under serious threat.

By DTD- On Jun 9, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team is on the brink of another shake-up in leadership, with major changes expected to be announced after the Eid holidays. After a successful whitewash of Bangladesh in the T20I home series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is ready to make Salman Ali Agha captain of Pakistan across all formats

With official confirmation expected after the Eid holidays, the 31-year-old has quickly impressed selectors, new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Sources close to the PCB say Salman’s leadership qualities and clear decision-making have convinced the selection committee and top management that he is the right choice to lead Pakistan across all formats. “Salman has been impressive in the opinions of the selection committee, new head coach Hesson and, above all, the chairman Mohsin Naqvi. All are on the same page that he should be the all-format captain,” a source revealed.

This move puts the captaincies of Mohammad Rizwan (ODI) and Shan Masood (Test) under serious threat. Rizwan’s position has weakened following public criticism over his lack of authority during the recent New Zealand tour, and Pakistan’s early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy at home.

Test captain Shan Masood is also likely to be replaced after a disappointing run, with Pakistan losing nine out of 12 Tests since December 2023. Pakistan currently sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, ranked ninth out of nine teams.

“Masood’s captaincy was unimpressive and timid, so he was destined to lose captaincy. Moreover, Masood’s own performance was poor so Salman will also take over from him,” sources added.

Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures include a three-match T20I series in Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24, followed by ODI and T20I series against the West Indies in August. In Tests, Pakistan will host South Africa for a two-match series in October, and will also face Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England during the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.