Following three straight losses to bitter rivals India in 15 days at the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan is prepared to fire Salman Ali Agha as captain of the Twenty20 International team. In order to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board is anticipated to select all-rounder Shadab Khan as his replacement, according to a PTI report.
Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 losing record versus India served as the decision's initial catalyst. In the September 14 Group A match, the September 21 Super Fours match, and—most devastatingly—the September 28 final, Pakistan lost to India.
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At one point during the final, Pakistan was 113/1, but they fell apart in a dramatic manner, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs and were bowled out for 146. Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav masterminded the collapse with figures of 4/30, highlighting the lineup's vulnerability to quality spin.
Tilak Varma played an iconic knock of 69 runs to ensure that the Men in Blue went over the line during a difficult chase for India. A politically tense evening highlighted the performance difference between the two teams as India won the match by two wickets, claiming a record-extending seventh Asia Cup victory.
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With the bat, Salman Agha did not have a very great tournament. At a strike rate of 80.90 and an average of just 12, he managed to score only 72 runs in seven games. In addition to his batting shortcomings, he was criticized for his captaincy choices during the competition. The three straight defeats to India fueled the flames, with insiders claiming that public opinion and performance indicators had fueled the need for the adjustment.
Shadab Khan contributes tactical adaptability and expertise. With numerous leadership positions in various leagues throughout the world, the leg-spinning all-rounder has played 112 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan and has previously held the position of vice-captain.
Shadab is recuperating from a shoulder surgery and will take over the position when he returns next month, according to the PTI report. His twin abilities as a lower-order batsman and middle over spinner give a team that is having trouble deciding on a lineup the tactical balance they need.
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