A significant shake-up appears imminent in Pakistan cricket after the team failed to reach the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, marking their third successive early exit from the tournament.
Despite signing off with a win over Sri Lanka national cricket team in Pallekele on Saturday, Pakistan were unable to boost their net run rate sufficiently to overtake New Zealand national cricket team in the Super 8 standings, finishing third in Group 2.
Naqvi ‘Unhappy’ With Team’s Performance
According to a report by Press Trust of India, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, is dissatisfied with the team’s campaign.
A source cited in the report indicated that Naqvi had been assured by selectors and team management that Pakistan were well-prepared for a strong World Cup showing.
“Naqvi is not happy at all because he was assured the team was set to do well in the World Cup,” the source said.
Salman Ali Agha Likely to Lose Captaincy
The report further states that Naqvi has made up his mind to remove Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20I captain. Discussions are expected with head coach Mike Hesson and selectors regarding leadership changes and the broader direction of the squad.
Among the leading candidates to take over the captaincy are Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Babar Azam’s T20I Career in Question
The future of senior players, including Babar Azam, is also reportedly under review.
The source suggested that several established names — including Salman Agha, Babar Azam and Usman Khan — could face the end of their T20 international careers as Pakistan look to reset their strategy ahead of the next global cycle.
Coach Mike Hesson is understood to have advised the PCB leadership to transition towards younger talent and adapt to the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket.
Pakistan’s Campaign in Review
Pakistan progressed to the Super 8 stage as runners-up in their group after defeating:
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Netherlands national cricket team
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United States national cricket team
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Namibia national cricket team
Their only group-stage defeat came against India national cricket team.
In the Super 8 phase:
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Their match against New Zealand was washed out.
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They suffered a narrow defeat to England national cricket team.
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They beat Sri Lanka but fell short on net run rate.
As a result, Pakistan were eliminated before the semifinals once again.
Major Changes Expected
With internal reviews underway, sweeping changes to Pakistan’s T20 structure appear likely in the coming weeks. The PCB leadership is expected to announce decisions on captaincy, player contracts, and squad composition as preparations begin for the next international cycle.
