Sahibzada Farhan named new Pakistan captain after breaking Virat Kohli’s record

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly set to make changes after the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. After failing to qualify for the semi-finals, Naqvi is considering removing Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain, with discussions set to take place with Mike Hesson and the selectors.

Pakistan secured a five-run victory over Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday, February 28. After scoring a total of 212, Pakistan’s winning margin was not enough to keep them alive in the event. To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 and overtake New Zealand's net run rate.

Salman Ali Agha Faces Scrutiny After Pakistan’s Fourth Semifinal Miss

Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive ICC tournament. They missed the last four at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Pakistan’s opening Super 8 match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. They then suffered a defeat to England, which pushed them into a must-win situation. Although Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in their final game, the victory did not improve their net run rate enough, and they were eliminated.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan recorded wins over the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia, finishing second in the group behind India.

Salman Ali Agha endured a difficult tournament both as a batter and as captain. He scored only 60 runs across six innings and failed to deliver in key moments. His on-field decisions also came under scrutiny, with several tactical calls leaving fans and experts puzzled.

Rashid Latif Names Sahibzada Farhan as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain

Former players Mohammad Hafeez, Basit Ali, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Amir, and Shoaib Akhtar all questioned Pakistan’s leadership, tactics, and overall direction.

Amid the growing debate over who should lead Pakistan in T20Is, Rashid Latif said the focus will now shift to Sahibzada Farhan. Latif added that the management may look to make him captain in both T20Is and ODIs.

"Now they will target Sahibzada Farhan and they will make him the captain in T20Is and ODIs," Rashid Latif said.

Rashid Latif said, "Now they will target Sahibzada Farhan and they will make him the captain in T20Is and ODIs." pic.twitter.com/PIgRNIO6QL

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) March 2, 2026

Sahibzada Farhan Breaks Record for Most Runs in a Single T20 World Cup Edition

Sahibzada Farhan set a new record for most runs in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. The opener finished the tournament with 383 runs, breaking Virat Kohli’s long-standing mark of 319 runs, which he scored during the 2014 edition in Bangladesh.

Farhan emerged as Pakistan’s most consistent batter throughout the tournament. He began with a steady 47 against the Netherlands and followed it with a fluent 73 against the USA, giving Pakistan strong starts early in the competition.

The batter was dismissed for a duck against India. However, Sahibzada Farhan bounced back in style by scoring his maiden T20I century against Namibia. He then added another 63 in a losing effort against England. The opening batter also smashed a century in Pakistan’s final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka.

Also read: Mohsin Naqvi leaves Babar Azam & Pakistan stars broke with heavy financial penalty