Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood sacked: Pakistan to announce new ODI, Test captains ahead of Asia Cup 2025

In a recent development, the Pakistan national cricket team is likely to undergo a leadership overhaul in ODIs and Tests, with discussions currently taking place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha are among the names being considered for captaincy responsibilities.

The Pakistan Cricket Board recently unveiled its central contracts for the 2025–26 season. Test skipper Shan Masood was demoted from Category B to D, while T20 captain Salman Ali Agha earned a promotion from Category C to B. ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were placed in Category B.

Pakistan Has Been Struggling for Consistency Across Formats

Pakistan have struggled for consistency across formats. The Men in Green last played a Test series at home against the West Indies in January, which ended 1-1. Earlier, they clinched a 2-1 home win over England, but later suffered a 2-0 defeat in South Africa.

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Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan swept Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20I series in Lahore but lost the return leg 2-1 in Bangladesh. They also secured a 2-1 T20I series win against the West Indies but faltered in the ODIs, losing by the same margin.

These mixed results have drawn criticism of certain players, with concerns mounting over Pakistan’s overall consistency and leadership in recent months.

Salman Ali Agha Emerges as Frontrunner to Replace Mohammad Rizwan as ODI Captain

According to a report by Samaa News, Pakistan cricket is set to undergo major leadership changes in ODIs and Tests, with consultations taking place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Salman Ali Agha has emerged as the leading contender to replace Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain. He held internal discussions with the selection committee and the High Performance Center director before the team’s departure to Dubai. Salman is being considered as a long-term option for the role.

"The Pakistan cricket team is expected to undergo major leadership changes in both the ODI and Test formats, with consultations already underway at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore," according to sources.

Saud Shakeel Likely to Replace Shan Masood as Test Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a change in red-ball leadership. Saud Shakeel is the frontrunner to replace Shan Masood as Test captain. The report added that the board wants to prepare younger players for long-term leadership roles.

A review meeting held at the NCA earlier this week focused on ensuring stability in captaincy across formats. Apart from the captaincy discussions, there is also a possibility of upgrading Saud’s central contract to Category B.

While several names have been discussed, Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel remain the strongest contenders, with an official announcement expected soon.

"Sources suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is weighing multiple options, but Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel are the most likely candidates for formal announcement."

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