Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to be punished by PCB after three defeats against India in Asia Cup

Synopsis

Salman Ali Agha PCB Decision: Following a series of defeats against India in the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly planning to replace Salman Ali Agha with Shadab Khan as the national T20I captain. This leadership change, expected after Shadab's recovery from surgery, aims to rebuild the team's strategy for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Salman Ali Agha to be sacked as captain. After a string of defeats against India in the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to replace Salman Ali Agha with all-rounder Shadab Khan as the national T20I captain, according to a PTI report. The change is expected to take effect once Shadab recovers from shoulder surgery next month, as part of a broader strategy to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Three losses against India prompt leadership change

Pakistan’s decision follows their poor showing in the Asia Cup 2025, where they lost all three matches against India in just 15 days. The defeats came in the Group A match on September 14, the Super Fours clash on September 21, and the final on September 28.

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The Asia Cup final was particularly disappointing for Pakistan. After reaching 113 for one, the team collapsed to 146 all out, losing nine wickets for 33 runs. India’s Kuldeep Yadav played a key role, taking four wickets for 30 runs.

India clinches ninth Asia Cup title

Chasing 147, India secured victory by two wickets, led by Tilak Varma’s 69-run knock. The win gave India their ninth Asia Cup title and highlighted Pakistan’s struggle to handle pressure in key matches.

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Agha Salman’s poor form under scrutiny

Agha Salman’s individual performance during the tournament added to Pakistan’s concerns. He managed only 72 runs in seven matches, averaging 12 with a strike rate of 80.90. His leadership decisions also faced criticism, particularly after the repeated losses to India.

Shadab Khan set to lead the rebuild

The PCB’s decision to turn to Shadab Khan is based on his experience and leadership record. Having represented Pakistan in 112 T20Is and served as vice-captain, Shadab also brings experience from leading teams in various franchise leagues worldwide.

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As a leg-spinning all-rounder, Shadab’s dual role with bat and ball is seen as an asset for the team’s balance. His return from injury and expected appointment marks a step toward rebuilding Pakistan’s T20 strategy.

Focus on 2026 T20 World Cup

The leadership change reflects the PCB’s intent to reset team strategy and strengthen performance ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board hopes the new captaincy will bring tactical clarity and renewed confidence as Pakistan prepares to face stronger sides in the coming season.

On-field tensions and fan reactions during India-Pakistan clashes

The 2025 Asia Cup also drew attention for the tense moments both on and off the field during the India-Pakistan matches. Each encounter saw packed stadiums and heightened emotions among fans.

Asia Cup 2025: no handshakes, Trophy on-field gestures and formal complaints

Pakistan and India’s matches at the Asia Cup 2025 were marked by repeated off-field and on-field controversies that overshadowed the cricket at times. India’s players twice avoided the customary handshakes with Pakistan — at the toss and after matches — and Pakistan reacted strongly to those snubs. The tournament also ended on a bad note as the trophy was not handed over by ACB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi as he fled away with the award after Indian captain refused to take the prize from him.

Tensions rose further after videos showed Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf making provocative gestures during one match. The gesture was widely criticised in Indian media and on social platforms, and it prompted official action and strong public reaction.

Other Pakistani players were also accused of provocative on-field actions in separate moments. Reports say the BCCI formally raised concerns and lodged a complaint with the ICC about conduct by some Pakistan players after the matches.

The incidents also fed a larger debate on social media and in the press in both countries. Hashtags and short videos trended after each match, and some broadcasters and former cricketers said the rivalry was beginning to be defined more by off-field rows than by cricketing performance.

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