'He's the right guy': Former Pakistan all-rounder backs Shadab as T20I captain

KARACHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has backed Shadab Khan as the strongest candidate to replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan's T20I captain if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to make a change in leadership.

Speaking during a recent interview with a local sports platform, Wasim said Shadab's understanding of the game and leadership qualities make him the most suitable option for the role.

He also acknowledged that every captain is bound to make mistakes but believes Shadab has the ability to lead the side effectively.

"I think it is the right time and I don't see anyone else doing the job. Shadab is the only guy left. He knows the game. Obviously, while you're doing captaincy you will make errors but not big errors. I think Shadab is the right guy if they are thinking of changing Salman. Otherwise, I don't see anyone else," Wasim said.

Imad's remarks come amid recent media reports claiming that Salman Ali Agha is likely to be removed as Pakistan's T20I captain following the team's disappointing campaign at the 2026 T20 World Cup, held in India and Sri Lanka.

According to the reports, Shadab has emerged as the leading contender to take over the role. Several former Pakistan cricketers have also weighed in on the matter, with some opposing the idea of appointing the leg-spinning all-rounder as captain.

They questioned both his leadership credentials and his place in the playing XI after a series of underwhelming performances.

It is pertinent to mention that Shadab has previously captained Pakistan in two separate T20I series, in 2020 and 2023.

His first stint as captain came during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in December 2020, when he replaced the injured Babar Azam for a three-match T20I series. Pakistan went on to lose the series 2-1.

Shadab returned to lead the Men in Green during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah in March 2023.

On that occasion, regular captain Babar Azam, along with Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, was rested as part of workload management ahead of a busy international schedule.

Pakistan suffered a 2-1 series defeat, marking their first-ever bilateral series loss to Afghanistan.