Salman Ali Agha likely to become Pakistan Test captain

Talha Javed:

Lahore: Pakistan’s disappointing Test series loss to Bangladesh has sparked fresh debate over the team’s leadership and dressing room atmosphere, with Salman Ali Agha now being considered a leading contender to replace Shan Masood as Test captain.

According to sources, the defeat exposed internal concerns within the squad, prompting head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed to issue a strong message to players about unity, accountability and improving performances.

Sarfaraz addresses players after defeat

According to sources, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed spoke to the national Test team in the presence of the team manager after the series loss.

He advised players to focus on playing for the team rather than only individual performances.

Sources said Sarfaraz stressed that while players must perform individually, they also have to contribute collectively for the success of the team.

Dressing room tensions

After losing the Test series to Bangladesh, players reportedly began blaming each other for the poor results.

According to sources, batters criticised the bowlers’ performances, while bowlers questioned the efforts of the batting and fielding units.

Sarfaraz Ahmed reportedly expressed disappointment over the lack of responsibility shown by senior players, saying they should have stepped up during difficult moments.

Also Read: Shan Masood likely removed as Pakistan Test captain

Sources added that the head coach told players to move on from past mistakes and focus on rebuilding the team.

Concerns over Shan Masood’s captaincy

Sources said Sarfaraz Ahmed was also unhappy with several decisions made by Test captain Shan Masood during the series. The head coach was reportedly upset with Shan Masood’s captaincy and decision-making throughout the campaign.

According to sources, Shan Masood remained relatively quiet after the defeat due to his own poor performances in the series.

Reports also claimed that communication between Shan Masood and other players became limited following the defeat in the Sylhet Test.

During the team’s return journey home, there was reportedly little interaction among players, while Shan Masood remained occupied with his family.

Agha likely to lead Test side

Following Pakistan’s second consecutive Test series defeat to Bangladesh, a change in leadership now appears increasingly likely.

Sources said Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to submit a report to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recommending Salman Ali Agha as the new Test captain.

Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over the red-ball side and is likely to lead Pakistan in the two-Test series against the West Indies beginning in July.

Shan Masood’s Test record under scrutiny

Under Shan Masood’s leadership, Pakistan have played 16 Test matches. The team managed to win only four Tests while suffering defeat in 12 matches, putting further pressure on his position as captain.

The latest developments highlight growing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan cricket as the PCB considers major changes following another disappointing Test campaign.