PCB names Farhan as Pakistan’s new T20I skipper as the national team begins a long-term rebuilding process ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a major leadership change in the national T20I setup, removing Salman Ali Agha as captain and appointing Sahibzada Farhan as his replacement. The decision comes as Pakistan prepares for its upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.
Farhan’s appointment follows his recent leadership role at the 2026 Asian Games, where he guided Pakistan to the men’s cricket final. Pakistan eventually finished with the silver medal after suffering defeat against India in the final.
The PCB announced the leadership change while revealing the squads for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.
PCB Focuses on Long-Term T20 Plans
The change in captaincy is understood to be part of Pakistan’s broader rebuilding strategy, with the PCB looking toward the 2028 T20 World Cup. The board is reportedly aiming to develop a settled group of players who can become the foundation of the national team for the next global tournament.
Salman had taken charge of Pakistan’s T20I side in March 2025 and led the team through several major assignments, including the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. By the start of the World Cup, he had captained Pakistan in 50 T20Is, registering 31 victories and 18 defeats.
However, his recent performances and Pakistan’s results have contributed to the decision to make a leadership change. Salman has also been left out of the upcoming T20I squad.
Farhan Begins New Era Against Sri Lanka
Farhan’s first assignment as Pakistan’s new T20I captain will be a three-match home series against Sri Lanka. All three games will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13.
The squad also includes several fresh faces. Razaullah has received his maiden white-ball call-up after attracting attention with his batting during the third Test against England. Mohammad Imran Randhawa has also earned his first T20I selection.
In the ODI squad, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig has been included, while Usman Khan and Usman Tariq have been omitted from the upcoming assignments.
Several pacers who featured in Pakistan’s Asian Games squad, including Ali Raza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Akif Javed and Ahmed Daniyal, have also missed out.
After the Sri Lanka T20Is, Pakistan will host an ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka. The opening matches will be played in Rawalpindi before the tournament shifts to Lahore for the remaining fixtures and final.