Pakistan cricket is facing a hot selection debate as they are ready for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka next year. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering to remember Babar Azam to strengthen the T20I squad for the Shopis event.
Currently, Salman Ali Aga’s position is not safe after his poor performance in the recent Asia Cup 2025 as Pakistan’s T20I captain and batter. Salman scored only 72 runs in seven matches of only 12 and a strike rate of 80.89 in the subcontinental tournament.
In the selection drama, Pakistan as Pakistan prepares for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Despite his batting struggles, Salman Ali Aga has received constant support from Pakistan’s selectors and head coach Mike Hessen, but there is increasing concerns over his inconsistent performance between members of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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As Pakistani journalist Salim Khalik, Mike Hessen and the selectors have been told to continue with Salman as the T20I captain, but some PCB officials have questioned the team’s ability to lead the team’s batting line-up as they are facing plans for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar Azam remembers for T20 amidst PCB Salman Ali Aga’s bad form
The journalist also revealed that PCB is considering remembering Babar Azam for the upcoming three -match T20I series against South Africa at home. However, the team management has raised strong objections to Babur’s return to the T20 IT, citing the team’s balance and strategy concerns.
Hessen had already made it clear that the former Pakistan captain needs to improve the performance against his strike rate and spin bowling, if he wants to return the T20 Eye, and the same was the reason behind his Asia Cup 2025 omission.
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After inconsistent performance and low strike rates, Babar Azam has dropped out of T20I since the end of 2024, but the PCB still feels that the right -handed batsman can provide stability and experience to the T20I team as they are ready for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
While PCB wants Babar Azam’s return, Pakistan’s team management believes the current setup with Salman should move forward, and this has led to a division within the board. Now, it remains to be seen whether Babar Azam returns to the side for the upcoming series against South Africa.
Pakistan Trims Squad before South Africa Test series
Earlier, Pakistan surprised its squad for the upcoming two-match test series against South Africa. He dropped fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram. With these tricks, the squad is trimmed from the original 18 to 16-member side.
The much awaited test series closes from 12 to 16 October at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with the first test, followed by the second test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. South Africa, the ICC World Test Championship to win 2023–25, will be eager to continue its dominance.
After the Test series, both teams will play three T20 and three Odis between October 28 and November 8.
