With Babar Azam stepping down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, there is growing speculation about who will succeed him. Leading the list of candidates are Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel, dynamic opener Fakhar Zaman, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.
Saud Shakeel, who recently assumed the role of Test vice-captain in Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh, is considered a potential choice. Fakhar Zaman, with his captaincy experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Lahore Qalandars, is another strong contender. Salman Ali Agha, though less experienced in leadership, has also been mentioned as a candidate.
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Mohammad Rizwan, known for his consistent performances and leadership abilities, is rumored to be a top contender for the ODI captaincy, though reports suggest that his and Shaheen Afridi’s chances are limited. Rising star Mohammad Haris is also in consideration for the T20 captaincy, following recommendations from coach Gary Kirsten, who emphasized the importance of promoting younger players in T20 cricket.
Babar’s decision to resign follows a long leadership tenure, which saw many achievements but ultimately allowed him to focus more on his batting and personal growth. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking its time to assess the best candidates for both formats, ensuring that the next captain can steer the team forward.
