Pakistan cricket is undergoing a shift in Test captaincy as Salman Agha is poised to take over from Shan Masood, who had a lackluster tenure over the past three years. Masood, having suffered 12 defeats in the 16 Tests he led since December 2023, including a recent loss to Bangladesh, faces replacement.
Masood’s record of losing his first 12 Tests as captain places him uniquely in the history of Test cricket among top nations, excluding Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan. Despite Masood’s plea to retain his position for consistency, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided on the change due to Pakistan’s poor performance in the World Test Championship.
With challenging Test series against the West Indies and England approaching, Agha is being considered the best candidate to lead the team. The upcoming schedule includes two Tests in Trinidad starting July 25 and three Tests in England from August 19, prompting the need for a new captain.
The coaching setup is expected to remain stable with Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and Umar Gul as the bowling coach, while a new batting coach might be appointed for the Caribbean tour. Additionally, the PCB is contemplating appointing Mohammad Hafeez, a former captain, as the director of international cricket to enhance scheduling and player development.
