Mohammad Amir backs Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan captaincy ahead of 2027 World Cup

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint Salman Ali Agha as the captain of Pakistan’s ODI and Test sides, saying the decision should be made sooner rather than later to prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Speaking about Pakistan’s leadership situation, Amir said the board risks repeating past mistakes if it delays a clear decision on captaincy. According to the left-arm pacer, Salman Ali Agha has been the most consistent Pakistani performer in recent times and deserves the responsibility of leading the national team.

“It’s the right time for PCB to appoint Salman Agha as ODI and Test captain,” Amir said. “Otherwise, we will regret it in the 2027 World Cup for not making him the captain earlier.”

Amir emphasized that Agha’s consistent performances with the bat and his growing maturity on the field make him a strong candidate to lead Pakistan in the longer formats. The former pacer even compared Agha’s recent consistency with other top players in the side, including former captain Babar Azam.

“No other Pakistani player has been as consistent as him in the recent past — not even Babar Azam,” Amir added, highlighting Agha’s reliability across different conditions and formats.

Salman Ali Agha has emerged as a key figure in Pakistan’s middle order in recent years, delivering crucial performances in both Tests and ODIs. His calm temperament and ability to contribute in pressure situations have led many analysts to view him as a potential leadership option for the future.

The PCB has yet to make any official announcement regarding long-term captaincy plans, but Amir’s comments have added fresh momentum to the debate over who should lead Pakistan into the next major global event. With the 2027 World Cup still a few years away, discussions around building a stable leadership structure are expected to intensify in the coming months.