PCB considers Babar Azam recall amid doubts over Salman Ali Agha’s T20I form

Pakistan cricket is facing a heated contested selection debate ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering bringing Babar Azam back to strengthen the T20I squad for the marquee event. In the meantime, Salman Ali Agha's role as Pakistan's captain and batter for T20I is still in question after his below-par performance during the Asia Cup 2025, as he scored only 72 runs in seven games at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89.

Despite that, Salman continues to get support from Pakistan selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, although in PCB circles, concerns about his inconsistent performances are rising. According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, Hesson and the selectors remain determined to keep Salman as T20I captain, but some PCB officials have raised doubts about his ability to lead the batting line-up as the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The PCB is also reportedly considering recalling former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home. But the team management has raised some concerns regarding Babar's return, mentioning the concerns of team balance and strategy. Hesson had earlier stated that Babar must enhance his strike rate and game against spin if he is to make a T20I return, which was also the reason for his Asia Cup 2025 exclusion.

Split in PCB Over T20I Leadership

Babar Azam has been out of T20Is since the latter part of 2024 due to poor performances and low strike rates, but the PCB feels his experience would bring stability to the T20I team in the run-up to the World Cup. Although the board wishes for his return, the present team management prefers sticking with Salman Ali Agha as captain, and hence the PCB is divided on this matter. It remains uncertain whether Babar will make a comeback for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

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Earlier, Pakistan made surprise changes to its squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, dropping fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram, reducing the squad from 18 to 16 players. The first Test begins at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. After the Tests, both teams will play three T20Is and three ODIs between October 28 and November 8.