Babar Azam’s T20I comeback plans leaked; Salman Agha glorified in Pakistan despite humiliation vs India

Pakistan cricket is facing a heated selection debate as they prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka next year. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering recalling Babar Azam to strengthen the T20I squad for the showpiece event.

Currently, Salman Ali Agha’s position as Pakistan’s T20I captain and batter is not safe following his poor performance in the recent Asia Cup 2025. Salman managed only 72 runs across seven matches at an average of just 12 and a strike rate of 80.89 in the subcontinental tournament.

Pakistan in selection drama as they prepare for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Despite his batting struggles, Salman Ali Agha has received continued backing from the Pakistan selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, but concerns are growing over his inconsistent performances among the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) members.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: MCC slaps Pakistan over Muneeba Ali’s run-out controversy against India at ICC Women's World Cup 2025

As reported by Pakistani journalist Saleem Khaliq, Mike Hesson and the selectors are determined to continue with Salman as the T20I captain, but some PCB officials have raised questions about his ability to lead the team’s batting line-up as they are chalking out plans for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

PCB considers Babar Azam recall for T20Is amid Salman Ali Agha's poor form

The journalist also revealed that the PCB is considering recalling Babar Azam to the side for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home. However, the team management has raised strong objections to Babar’s return to T20Is, citing team balance and strategy concerns.

Hesson had already made it clear that the former Pakistan captain needs to improve his strike rate and performance against spin bowling if he wants to make a T20I comeback, and that was the reason behind his Asia Cup 2025 omission as well.

Read Also: Dilip Vengsarkar indirectly orders Ajit Agarkar to drop Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma from ODIs

Babar Azam has been out of T20Is since late 2024, following inconsistent performances and low strike rates, but the PCB still feels the right-handed batter could provide stability and experience to the T20I team as they gear up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

While PCB wants Babar Azam’s return, Pakistan’s team management believes that the current setup with Salman leading the side should continue, and this has caused a split within the board. Now, it remains to be seen whether Babar Azam makes a comeback to the side for the upcoming series against South Africa.

Pakistan trims squad ahead of South Africa Test series

Earlier, Pakistan made surprise changes to its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. They dropped fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram. With these moves, the squad is trimmed from the original 18 to a 16-member side.

The much-awaited Test series kicks off with the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. South Africa, fresh off winning the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25, will be eager to continue their dominance.

After the Test series, both teams will play three T20Is and three ODIs between October 28 and November 8.