New Delhi, June 7: A significant change is on the horizon for Pakistan cricket as reports suggest that Salman Agha may take over the Test captaincy from Shan Masood. Masood’s tenure as captain has been disappointing over the past three years.
Since December 2023, Masood has led Pakistan in 16 Test matches, facing defeat in 12 of them. Last month’s loss to Bangladesh marked their fourth consecutive defeat.
In the 150-year history of Test cricket, Masood stands out as the only captain among the top nine nations—excluding Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan—who has lost his first 12 Test matches.
According to sources, Masood has requested Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to retain him for the sake of continuity. However, Naqvi is reportedly considering removing Masood from the captaincy due to the team’s poor performance under his leadership.
Last year, Pakistan finished ninth in the World Test Championship’s third cycle.
TelecomAsia reports that “Naqvi has grown frustrated with Masood. He and his advisors believe Agha is the best candidate to take over, especially with two challenging Test matches in the West Indies and three in England coming up in the next few months.”
Before the England tour, Pakistan will play two Test matches in Trinidad, starting on July 25. The first Test in England is scheduled for August 19 in Leeds.
Masood has also struggled as a batsman in the two-match series, managing only one half-century in four innings, making it difficult for him to maintain his position in the team.
The coaching staff will remain unchanged, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach. A new batting coach may be appointed for the Caribbean tour.
Reports indicate that the PCB is also considering former captain Mohammad Hafeez for the role of ‘Director of International Cricket.’ This position could be crucial for improving the cricket schedule and monitoring player development.
However, Hafeez told TelecomAsia that he has not yet received any proposals but would consider any if presented.
The 32-year-old Salman Ali Agha has scored 1,663 runs in 25 Test matches, including three centuries and 12 half-centuries, with a highest score of 132 not out. He has been captaining Pakistan’s T20 format since March 2025.
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