Is Salman Agha the next Sarfaraz Ahmed? Pakistan’s T20I turnaround under his captaincy sparks hope

From December 2021 to early 2025, Pakistan’s T20I record was miserable. Across several series, the team failed to register a single bilateral series win except for a narrow 2–1 victory over Ireland. Questions over strategy, stability, and direction were growing louder.

Then came Salman Ali Agha, taking on T20I captaincy, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s T20I revival.

Taking over the captaincy during a period of uncertainty, Agha’s appointment didn’t draw headlines for being dramatic, but his results soon did. In his first year of leadership, Pakistan began to look sharper, more settled, but inconsistent at times.

A winning run across continents

Under Agha, Pakistan has now won every T20I series they’ve played, against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West Indies, and South Africa — with New Zealand being the only exception in a closely contested series. Pakistan also won the Tri-Nation series against Afghanistan and the UAE.

The team reached the final of the Asia Cup, coming within touching distance of the title. “One good over and we might have won it,” many fans have said — a reflection of how close Pakistan came to rewriting the script entirely.

Leadership over numbers

Agha’s personal batting form has been underwhelming, just as Sarfaraz’s was, but leadership isn’t always about runs. His calm on-field decisions, improved use of bowlers, and visible team unity have marked a clear shift from the inconsistency of previous years.

There have been blunders — as in any captain’s debut season — but the key difference has been how he responds. Instead of doubling down, Agha has shown an openness to adapt and learn quickly.

Looking toward 2026

Pakistan’s T20I revival under Agha is still in its early stages, but the signs are promising. What began as a cautious experiment now looks like a steady rebuild. If progress continues, Salman Ali Agha could very well lead the team into the 2026 T20 World Cup as a more mature and battle-tested captain.

For now, Pakistan fans have reason to believe again — not just in individual performances, but in the collective direction of their team.