Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi Could Lose Pakistan T20I Places
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan could make major changes to its T20 International setup, with senior players Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly at risk of losing their places as selectors consider a longer-term strategy for the shortest format.
According to reports, discussions are underway over Pakistan’s future T20 combination as the Pakistan Cricket Board looks ahead to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Salman’s position has attracted particular attention amid indications that Pakistan could move toward a new permanent captain in the format.
Sahibzada Farhan has emerged as a potential long-term leadership option. He was handed the captaincy of Pakistan’s men’s team for the 2026 Asian Games, replacing Salman for the tournament.
Reports earlier this month also indicated that the PCB, in consultation with head coach Mike Hesson, was considering Farhan for the permanent T20I captaincy.
Shaheen’s future in the shortest format is also reportedly under discussion as selectors assess Pakistan’s pace-bowling options and attempt to build a broader pool of players for the next global tournament cycle.
Both Salman and Shaheen were key members of Pakistan’s squad at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Salman captained the team, while Shaheen remained a major part of the pace attack.
However, Pakistan has already shown signs of experimenting with its T20 setup. Salman, Shaheen, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan were not included in the squad selected for the Asian Games, where Farhan was appointed captain.
The PCB did not provide an explanation for the senior players’ Asian Games omissions when announcing that squad.
No official decision confirming Salman or Shaheen’s removal from Pakistan’s regular T20I setup has yet been announced by the PCB.
Any final changes are expected to become clearer when selectors announce Pakistan’s next full T20I squad and outline the leadership structure for the upcoming international cycle.
