Shadab Khan to be named new Pakistan captain despite poor performances

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to make changes in the captaincy if the Men in Green fail to reach the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. According to the latest reports, captain Salman Ali Agha is under heavy pressure, and all-rounder Shadab Khan could be considered for the T20I captaincy.

Salman Ali Agha took over as Pakistan’s captain in March last year after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped for the New Zealand series. Pakistan have played five matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 under Agha’s captaincy, and his tactical decisions in the tournament have been questioned.

Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat to India in their Group A match in Colombo on February 15. The Men in Green also lost to England in a Super Eight match. Following that defeat, experts and former players once again raised concerns over Agha’s tactics and on-field calls.

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According to a report by Revsportz, Salman Ali Agha may lose the captaincy, with Shadab Khan the likely replacement. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to take a call only after PSL 2026. Agha has also struggled with the bat, scoring only 60 runs in five innings in the tournament.

“Look, after the World Cup, Pakistan will go to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series and then the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will start. Fan anger will die down by then. I think they will wait until the end of the PSL before taking a call,” a source was quoted as saying by RevSportz.

People Have Started Taking Shadab Khan’s Name - Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik said that Shadab Khan has been in the captaincy conversation for a long time. He pointed out that even when Shadab Khan was injured earlier, reports had already suggested he was being considered for the role.

“People have started taking Shadab’s name for the captaincy. Even earlier, if you look at it, when he was injured, things were moving in the same direction, right? Reports had already suggested they wanted to make him captain back then as well," Malik said.

"You say the Islamabad United influence is in play, right? That regime has come in, and all of this is happening because of that.”

Shoaib Malik said, "Talks are going on to make Shadab Khan the T20I captain."

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— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 26, 2026

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios Explained

Pakistan are still in the race for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals, but their fate is no longer in their own hands. Their chances now depend on the results involving New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan can reach a maximum of three points if they beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match in Pallekele on February 28. New Zealand already have three points, and if they win their remaining match, Pakistan will be eliminated.

Pakistan currently have a net run rate of -0.461. To qualify, they will need a big win over Sri Lanka. The Men in Green will also be knocked out if they lose to Sri Lanka or if their final match is washed out.

Pakistan will play the last match of the group on February 28. This means they will know exactly what margin they need to win by after the New Zealand vs England game on February 27.

Also read: Sahibzada Farhan threatens to dethrone Abhishek Sharma from the top of ICC T20I Batting Rankings