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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has stirred the pot with a bold claim, suggesting that all-rounder Salman Ali Agha is set to become the country’s next Test captain, and potentially take the reins across all three formats.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Basit extended his congratulations to Salman, hinting at a dramatic shift in leadership within Pakistan cricket.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make anything official, Basit’s post has added fuel to growing speculation around a major captaincy shake-up.
According to earlier reports, a leadership overhaul was already on the cards.
Saud Shakeel had emerged as the likely candidate to replace Shan Masood in Tests, while vice-captain Salman Ali Agha was seen as the frontrunner to take over ODI duties from Mohammad Rizwan.
However, fresh developments suggest that the PCB is now considering a more sweeping change, with Salman potentially being elevated as Pakistan’s all-format captain.
The move, if confirmed, would signal a new era for Pakistan cricket, especially in the longest format, where results have been far from convincing.
Shan Masood, who was appointed Test captain in November 2023, has endured a turbulent tenure.
Under his leadership, Pakistan played 12 Tests, winning just three and losing nine, including series whitewashes against Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa.
The disappointing run saw Pakistan finish ninth in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 standings.
Pakistan’s next Test series is scheduled for October 2025, when South Africa are set to tour for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
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