Babar Azam tipped for T20I captaincy return as PCB eyes leadership reset
Synopsis
Weeks after reclaiming the Test captaincy, Babar Azam is reportedly in line to take back Pakistan's T20I reins too — a move that would make him a dual-format captain again. The PCB's reported rethink signals dissatisfaction with the post-Babar transition and a return to familiar ground ahead of a critical ICC cycle.
Key Takeaways
The PCB is reportedly considering reinstating Babar Azam as Pakistan's T20I captain , according to Daily Ausaf .
Babar would replace Salman Ali Agha , who has led the side through a transitional period.
The move follows Babar's recent restoration as Pakistan's Test captain .
Under Babar's previous T20I tenure, Pakistan reached the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinals and were runners-up in 2022 .
Salman Agha is expected to remain in the squad even if the captaincy changes hands.
No official PCB announcement has been made; a decision is expected after internal discussions conclude.
Babar Azam could be on the verge of reclaiming Pakistan's T20I captaincy, with reports indicating the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively considering reinstating him to the role ahead of the national side's upcoming international assignments. The development, reported by Pakistani publication Daily Ausaf, comes just weeks after Babar was restored as Pakistan's Test captain.
What the Reports Say
According to Daily Ausaf, the PCB is reassessing the T20I leadership following a review of the team's recent performances. Babar has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to replace Salman Ali Agha, who has been leading the side through a transitional phase. No official confirmation has been issued by the board, and an announcement is expected only after internal discussions are concluded and the squad for Pakistan's next T20I series is finalised.
Babar's T20I Leadership Record
Babar previously captained Pakistan across all three formats, compiling one of the stronger winning percentages among Pakistan's T20I skippers. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and went on to finish runners-up in the 2022 edition. His experience navigating high-stakes ICC events is believed to be a key factor in the PCB's thinking.
Salman Agha's Role Going Forward
Despite the reported captaincy shift, Salman Ali Agha is expected to retain his place in the squad. According to the report, the PCB continues to value his contribution as a player, suggesting the leadership change — if it materialises — would not signal a broader demotion of Agha within Pakistan's white-ball plans.
Context and What Comes Next
This comes amid a broader leadership churn in Pakistan cricket, with the board having already moved to restore Babar's Test captaincy in recent weeks. Reinstating him in T20Is as well would effectively hand him a dual-format leadership role — a significant vote of confidence ahead of a busy ICC calendar. Pakistan's preparations for upcoming international fixtures are understood to be a key driver of the timeline for any formal announcement.
Point of View
And the board's pattern of cycling through captains risks creating instability rather than resolving it. The real question is whether this is a strategic reset or simply a retreat to a comfort zone ahead of a demanding ICC schedule.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babar Azam returning as Pakistan's T20I captain?
Reports suggest the PCB is considering restoring Babar Azam as T20I captain, with him emerging as the leading candidate to replace Salman Ali Agha. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the board as of the time of reporting.
Who is currently Pakistan's T20I captain?
Salman Ali Agha has been leading Pakistan in T20 internationals during the team's transition phase. He is expected to retain his place in the squad even if the captaincy changes hands, according to reports.
What was Babar Azam's record as T20I captain?
Babar previously captained Pakistan across all three formats and recorded one of the best winning percentages among Pakistan's T20I skippers. He led the side to the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and to the runners-up position in the 2022 edition.
Why is the PCB considering this captaincy change?
According to Daily Ausaf, the PCB is reassessing T20I leadership following a review of the national team's recent performances. Babar's experience, leadership credentials, and familiarity with ICC events are cited as factors in the board's thinking.
When will an official announcement be made?
The PCB has not commented publicly on the speculation. An official announcement is expected only after internal discussions are completed and the squad for Pakistan's next T20I series is finalised.
