Pakistan‘s T20 setup is set to undergo significant changes ahead of a three-match home series against Sri Lanka, with the captaincy set to change hands and several senior players facing uncertain futures in the shortest format.
The three T20Is against Sri Lanka are scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13 in Rawalpindi. This will be Pakistan’s next immediate assignment after their 3-0 whitewash in a Test series against England, and the latter will also take part in an ODI tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka
According to a report in the Pakistan Observer, Salman Ali Agha is reportedly set to lose the T20 captaincy and has also been left out of the T20 setup. Salman, who was previously dropped from the Test side, is now expected to feature only in Pakistan’s ODI squad. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is also reportedly set to be excluded from the T20 squad, though he is expected to retain the ODI captaincy and continue leading Pakistan in the 50-over format. The return of both Shaheen and Rauf for this series is considered unlikely.
Who is likely to lead Pakistan in T20Is?
Sahibzada Farhan and Shadab Khan are currently the leading candidates for the T20 captaincy. Farhan has already been appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and is expected to continue in that role for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. His appointment at the Asian Games gives him a head start in the race for the permanent position.
Shadab Khan’s name has also been put forward as a candidate, though recent reports have focused more prominently on Farhan as the frontrunner for the role.
Which senior players could still feature across formats?
Test captain Babar Azam is expected to remain part of both the T20 and ODI squads despite the leadership changes taking place around him. His continued inclusion would provide experience in a side that is otherwise seeing considerable turnover at the top.
Razaullah impressed with his performance in the Edgbaston Test and is emerging as a strong candidate for selection in both the T20 and ODI squads. His recent showing has placed him in contention as Pakistan look to refresh their pace options in both formats.
