Mohsin Naqvi to crack whip after T20 World Cup flop: Salman Ali Agha set to lose captaincy; Babar Azam’s T20I future under cloud

A major overhaul appears imminent in Pakistan cricket after the team’s third straight failure to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup.

Although Pakistan ended their campaign with a consolation win over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 clash in Pallekele on Saturday, they were unable to keep the hosts to 147 or below — the target needed to overtake New Zealand on net run rate — and ultimately finished third in Group 2.

According to a PTI report, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is deeply dissatisfied with the team’s performance, particularly after being assured by selectors and team management that the squad was fully prepared for a strong tournament showing.

“Naqvi is not happy at all because this time he was assured by the selectors, team management and his close aides that the team was set to do well in the World Cup,” a source said.

The report states that Naqvi has decided to remove Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain and will consult head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors about the futures of several players, including Babar Azam.

“Salman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and a few others could see their T20 international careers end after the World Cup,” the source added.

Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi are understood to be leading contenders to take over the captaincy.

The source further indicated that Hesson has advised a shift toward younger players, urging the board to phase out some senior names and adapt to the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket.

“After the World Cup, you can expect major changes in Pakistan’s T20 set-up,” the source said.

Pakistan secured wins over the Netherlands, USA and Namibia in the group stage to qualify for the Super 8 as runners-up after losing to India. However, a washout against New Zealand in their opening Super 8 fixture and a narrow defeat to England dented their campaign. Despite beating Sri Lanka in their final match, Pakistan failed to significantly improve their net run rate and were eliminated from the tournament.