Will Agha Salman Be Pakistan’s Next All-Format Captain?

The leadership dynamics in Pakistan cricket are evolving rapidly, and one name that’s gaining serious attention is Salman Ali Agha. After recent appointments and steady performances across all formats, cricket fans and analysts alike are asking: Will Agha Salman become Pakistan’s next all-format captain?

In this analysis, we explore his leadership journey, PCB’s strategy, and the likelihood of his long-term captaincy.

T20I Captaincy: PCB’s Vote of Confidence

In March 2025, Agha Salman was appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20I team for the home series against New Zealand. This wasn’t a one-off decision. It reflected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s strategic shift toward grooming fresh leadership talent.

With Shadab Khan named as vice-captain, the management set a balanced tone, blending tactical stability with aggressive gameplay. Agha’s performance in this leadership role was calm, composed, and tactically sound.

His elevation to T20I captaincy signals trust from the PCB, making him a strong contender for broader responsibilities.

Vice-Captaincy in ODIs: Preparing for the Future

The PCB didn’t stop at T20Is. Agha Salman was also promoted as vice-captain in One Day Internationals (ODIs) under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy. With major tournaments like the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup 2025 ahead, Pakistan is clearly shaping a leadership bench for the long run.

Being part of the leadership group in ODIs allows Agha to understand team dynamics, decision-making under pressure, and international strategic planning. These are crucial stepping stones toward becoming an all-format leader.

Test Cricket: Leadership Potential in the Longest Format

While Agha Salman has yet to captain Pakistan in Test matches, his contributions in the format are noteworthy. He is known for his temperament, resilience, and cricketing acumen—qualities essential for success in Test leadership.

His approach to the game mirrors the qualities of past leaders like Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan—calculated decision-making, discipline, and a team-first attitude. With Pakistan’s Test captaincy still fluctuating between names like Shan Masood and Babar Azam, a leadership transition in red-ball cricket remains a real possibility.

Why Agha Salman is a Strong Candidate for All-Format Captaincy

Here’s why Agha Salman is seen as a serious candidate for leading Pakistan across all formats:

Strong leadership exposure through T20I captaincy and ODI vice-captaincy
Respected by teammates and management for professionalism and clarity
Excellent understanding of match situations in all three formats
Consistent performances in 2024 and early 2025
Positive rapport with the PCB and national selectors

These attributes indicate that the PCB is not just experimenting, but actively preparing Agha for a long-term leadership role.

Conclusion: Is Agha Salman Pakistan’s Next All-Format Leader?

As of mid-2025, Agha Salman is on a fast track toward becoming Pakistan’s all-format captain. With his current dual leadership roles and composed cricketing mindset, the possibility is real.

If he continues performing consistently and leading with maturity, Agha could very well be announced as Pakistan’s full-time captain across all three formats before the next World Test Championship cycle or the 2026 ICC events. Stay updated with Bloom Pakistan

His rise is a reminder that leadership in cricket is earned not just with the bat or ball, but with trust, vision, and discipline. Agha Salman checks all those boxes.