Babar Azam set to return as Pakistan T20I captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan are reportedly set to hand Babar Azam back the T20I captaincy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board said to be reviewing its leadership setup ahead of the national side’s upcoming international commitments. Salman Ali Agha, the current T20I captain, could be replaced in the role if the reports prove accurate.

The PCB has been conducting a review of Pakistan‘s recent performances in the shortest format, Daily Ausaf reported on Wednesday. Sources cited in the report suggest Babar has emerged as the primary candidate to reclaim the T20I captaincy, though the board is yet to make an official announcement.

Why is Babar Azam the frontrunner?

The Pakistan batter previously served as captain across all three formats and oversaw some of the side’s most successful campaigns in T20I cricket. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and went all the way to the final of the 2022 edition in Australia. His tournament experience, familiarity with the demands of the role, and status as one of the world’s premier batters are said to be the key drivers behind the PCB’s reported thinking.

Salman Ali Agha, who was handed the T20I captaincy during a transitional period for Pakistan cricket, is expected to continue in the squad as a senior all-rounder despite the reported change. The reshuffle, as described in the report, is intended to build more experienced leadership ahead of major upcoming ICC assignments rather than any reflection on his contributions to the side.

What happens next?

Babar was also recently reinstated as Test captain for Pakistan’s upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. A similar restoration in the T20I format would see Babar back in charge across two formats. The PCB is expected to finalise the next T20I squad and make an official captaincy call after internal consultations are concluded.

Until an official announcement is made, the captaincy situation in Pakistan’s T20I setup remains unresolved. The board’s next squad announcement is set to bring clarity on where both Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha stand going forward.