ISLAMABAD: Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has emerged as the strongest candidate for the Test team leadership, according to sources.
Following consecutive Test series defeats against Bangladesh, a decision has reportedly been made to change the leadership of the national Test side. Sources suggest that Salman Ali Agha is now the frontrunner to take over the role and is expected to lead Pakistan in the two-match Test series against the West Indies scheduled for July.
Meanwhile, reports indicate growing distance within the team following the defeat in the Sylhet Test against Bangladesh. Sources claim that communication among players was limited during the return journey, with captain Shan Masood reportedly spending time with his family.
It is also noted that under Shan Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan played 16 Test matches, winning only four and losing twelve.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not officially confirmed any leadership change so far.
Pakistan announces 16-member squad for ODI series against Australia
Earlier, Pakistan has announced a 16-member squad for the ODI series against Australia, with Shaheen Shah Afridi being given the captaincy of the series.
Ahmed Daniyal, Irfan Mehnas, Rohan Nazir have been included in the team, while Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Muqeem have returned.
Mohammad Ghazi, Ghauri and Rohail Nazir have been included as wicketkeeper-batsmen, Usman Khan is out of this series due to illness, and Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will continue their rehabilitation program due to injury.
In addition, Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Moaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Shamil Hussain and Sufyan Muqim are also part of the squad.
This series, consisting of three-day international matches, will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June.
