Three losses to India bring an end to Salman Ali Agha’s tenure as captain.

PTI have reported that while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are supporting Agha, there are discussions underway about the change in guard. The report added that a reliable source hinted that Shadab may lead the team as they set sights on the T20 World Cup 2026.

Salman's poor strike rate during the recently concluded Asia Cup has raised alarm bells. Some have started to question his place in the T20 team altogether. Shadab, meanwhile, was the vice-captain in the shortest format before undergoing surgery.

Shadab is a season campaigner and has previously led Pakistan in the shortest format. He underwent surgery on his shoulder in England, and after completing his rehab, he might be seen playing in the Quaid-E-Azam trophy.

Pakistan begin preparations for T20 World Cup 2026

The Men in Green have already set their sights on the next ICC title up for grabs. The T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan are hoping to play a bilateral home series with Sri Lanka in November.

Given the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the tri-series scheduled for next month featuring Sri Lanka remains uncertain. Therefore, Shadab may be seen leading Pakistan against Sri Lanka in the bilateral assignment.

The Pakistani team may also play a home series against Australia before finishing their preparations during the month of January.

Handshake controversy

The Asia Cup 2025 was marred by one controversy after another. Following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attacks, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Salman. The Pakistani captain retaliated by skipping the post-match presser on 14 September. Indian players didn't greet their opponents in any of the three matches played during the tournament.

Champions without the trophy

Despite winning the Asia Cup trophy, Team India were not given the title as they refused to accept it from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. He subsequently clarified on X that if the Indian team want the trophy, they will have to collect it from his ACC office in Dubai.

Nonetheless, the Indian team celebrated their title without the trophy.