Salman Agha is reportedly set to take over as Pakistan's Test captain, replacing Shan Masood whose tenure has been marked by a string of damaging defeats over the past three years. According to reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to make the change ahead of a demanding stretch of Tests in the West Indies and England.

Masood's Record Under the Microscope

Shan Masood has captained Pakistan in 16 Tests since taking charge during the tour of Australia in December 2023, losing 12 of them. Most recently, Pakistan suffered a fourth consecutive defeat to Bangladesh last month. Notably, Masood is reportedly the only captain from the top nine Test-playing nations — excluding Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan — to have lost his first 12 Tests in the 150-year history of the format, with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe also excluded from that comparison.

Masood's batting form has compounded his captaincy troubles. In the most recent two-Test series, he managed just one half-century across four innings, a return that sources say makes his position in the squad increasingly difficult to justify.

Naqvi's Decision and the Agha Factor

According to reports, Masood personally appealed to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to retain him in the interest of consistency. However, Naqvi is said to have grown frustrated, particularly after Pakistan finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship last year. Sources quoted by Telecomasia indicated that Naqvi and his advisers now view Salman Agha as the best candidate to lead the side through the upcoming challenges. 'Naqvi has had enough of Masood and now he and his advisers believe that Agha is the best candidate to replace Masood with two tough Tests coming in the West Indies and three more in England in the next few months,' Telecomasia quoted sources as saying.

Upcoming Pakistan Test Schedule

Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests in Trinidad starting 25 July, followed by a three-Test series in England, with the first match at Leeds from 19 August. The back-to-back away series against strong opposition makes the captaincy decision particularly consequential.

Coaching Staff and Board Restructuring

The coaching setup is expected to remain largely intact, with former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed continuing as head coach and Umar Gul staying on as bowling coach. A new batting coach may, however, be appointed for the Caribbean tour, according to reports.

Separately, the PCB is also reportedly considering former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez for the role of Director of International Cricket — a position seen as crucial for managing Pakistan's international schedule and monitoring player development. 'Hafeez is seen as the new director international cricket as he has the knowledge and acumen to guide Pakistan cricket,' sources said. Hafeez himself told Telecomasia that he has yet to receive a formal offer but would consider one if it arrives.

With the West Indies Tests weeks away, the PCB is expected to formalise the captaincy change and any structural appointments imminently.