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Pakistan is set to retain Salman Agha as skipper of Twenty20 team despite three defeats against India in the recently held Asia Cup in Dubai, sources told Telecomasia.net.
Agha’s captaincy came under criticism from the ruling coalition government with none other than Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showing discontent for the simple reason: losing all matches against India.
Pakistan suffered all defeats in chases – by seven, six and five wickets – the most hurtful being in the final where Agha’s team spurned several opportunities to carry the day.
“The PM showed displeasure over the manner in which Pakistan team lost all three matches and was unhappy at the timid manner of captaincy,” a ruling coalition party minister told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) on condition of anonymity.
“Most of the ministers watched the match in the rest rooms of the parliament lodges in Islamabad and were disappointed by Agha’s captaincy,” said the minister. “No one wants to see a defeat against India.”
Agha faulted in giving the 15th over to fast bowler Haris Rauf who conceded 17 runs that turned the match in India’s favour.
“The pitch was helping spinners and it could be judged by how Indian spinners took eight Pakistan wickets and yet Agha did not use Saim Ayub’s one and Mohammad Nawaz’s three overs,” said the minister.
The parliamentarians were unanimous Agha should be replaced with Shaheen Shah Afridi who showed aggression in his brief stint early this year. Shaheen also led Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back in Pakistan Super Leagues this year.
The five-man selection committee is also in favour of a new captain but Pakistan Cricket Board and head coach Mike Hesson are not in favour of any change with the Twenty20 World Cup just four months away.
“Hesson wants continuity and wants Agha to be retained, just like Shan Masood has been retained as Test skipper and Mohammad Rizwan is expected to keep his captaincy in ODIs,’ said sources.
Pakistan will play three T20Is against South Africa starting from October 28. They then host Afghanistan and Sri Lanka for a T20I tri-series in November.
Pakistan will also host Australia for a three-match T20I series before the World Cup. India and Sri Lanka will host the World Cup in February-March next year.
