LAHORE: Pakistan’s fourth consecutive Test loss to Bangladesh, a crushing 78-run defeat in Sylhet, has pushed all-rounder Salman Ali Agha into contention as the leading candidate to take over the Test captaincy from Shan Masood, provided Masood steps down or is removed.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insiders, the defeat in Sylhet has taken a heavy toll on team morale. Communication between the players and captain Masood had reportedly become ‘negligible’ following the loss.
🚨 SALMAN ALI AGHA TEST CAPTAIN 🚨
– PCB has decided to appoint Salman Ali Agha as the new Test Captain of Pakistan.
– Salman Ali Agha’s first assignment as Test Captain will be Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies in June.
– Meanwhile, Shan Masood has been asked by PCB to… pic.twitter.com/IXBa9mqYbI
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) May 21, 2026
Sources further revealed that during the national team’s journey back home, Masood kept to himself, barely interacting with his teammates and choosing to spend time with his family instead.
Uncertain Future for Masood
Pakistan’s Test slump has worsened considerably after back-to-back clean-sweep defeats at the hands of Bangladesh.
With pressure mounting, Masood’s future as captain has become increasingly uncertain. In the event of his resignation or removal, insiders suggested that Salman Ali Agha is being seriously considered to take up the leadership role.
Pakistan are not scheduled to play another Test match until July, when they tour the West Indies for a two-match series. Their next international assignment is a three-match home ODI series against Australia, scheduled from May 30 to June 4.
Players from the recently unveiled ODI squad will report to Islamabad today, with a training camp set to begin in Rawalpindi tomorrow. Meanwhile, Australia’s squad is scheduled to arrive in the capital on the same day.
The upcoming ODI series marks Australia’s first 50-over tour of Pakistan since March–April 2022, when the Men in Green won 2-1.
Earlier this year, Australia visited for a T20I series, which Pakistan swept 3-0 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
