Following embarrassing defeats to India on several occasions in the Asia Cup, Pakistan T20 captain Salman Aga is likely to be sacked and replaced by all-rounder Shadab Khan, who has previously served as the team’s vice-captain.
In the latest turn of events, the PCB may not be able to host the proposed tri-series featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to be played from November 19. If the series happens then Pakistan selectors would like to test Shadab Khan.
Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan will replace Salman Aga
27-year-old spin bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has previously served as Pakistan’s vice-captain and is likely to replace Salman Aga as the captain of the Pakistan T20 team. According to a recent PTI report, Shadab will return to the T20I squad and lead the national team after coming out of the rehabilitation program next month.
Shadab has immense experience in T20 cricket and also has extensive captaincy experience in Pakistan’s local franchise tournaments, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket. Although the PCB is committed to supporting Salman Aga as Pakistan captain, some sources told PTI that Shadab is being viewed as the long-term captain of the team.
Shadab Khan’s return date announced
Shadab Khan last played a home series against Bangladesh in early June, but he suffered a shoulder injury during the series. His return will be important as he could replace Salman Aga as the T20I captain. Before the surgery he was the vice-captain in the shortest format.
Shadab Khan will return to action in the upcoming bilateral home series against Sri Lanka between November 11 and 15 as he is expected to come out of rehab after a long wait, a reliable source has said.
“He also plans to play a domestic four-day match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy before the Sri Lanka series,” the source said. Pakistan has planned a number of T20I games with home series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Australia to prepare for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
Comparison of statistics of Salman Aga and Shadab Khan in T20I cricket
The 27-year-old Pakistani spinner has played as an all-rounder in all three formats of the game, including 6 Tests, 70 ODIs and 112 T20I matches. Although not starting out as a batsman initially, he gradually became a promising batsman. He scored 300, 855 and 792 runs in all three formats and also took 14, 85 and 112 wickets in each.
31-year-old batting all-rounder Salman Aga, who captained Pakistan in the Asia Cup, has played 22 Tests, 41 ODIs and 32 T20 matches in his career. He recently missed out on a Test century during the first Test against South Africa in Lahore. He has also taken 20, 17 and 5 wickets.
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