Farhan Sahibzada has been handed the T20I reins for Pakistan, stepping in for Salman Ali Agha just before the three‑match Sri Lanka series. Yet the PCB has not named a vice‑captain, leaving a gap in the leadership chain.
Farhan’s appointment comes on the back of a silver‑medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, where he steered Pakistan to a final against India. He has also been a mainstay in Pakistan’s white‑ball setup, but his shift to captaincy means Abdul Samad, who served as his deputy at the Games, is now out of the equation.
Basit Ali, a former batsman and vocal squad member, took to X (formerly Twitter) to tag selector Aaqib Javed. “T20 and ODI ki team mai vice captain khoun hai Aaqib Javed sir,” he wrote, demanding a quick answer from the PCB about who will wear the second armband.
The lack of a named vice‑captain isn’t just a bureaucratic hiccup; it could affect on‑field decision making and player morale as Pakistan heads into a tough series against Sri Lanka. With Babar Azam and other senior players in the ODI side, the absence of a clear deputy in the T20I squad raises questions about how leadership will be shared.
Now the focus turns to the upcoming series in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11, and 13. Pakistan’s performance here will set the tone for the rest of the tri‑series involving Sri Lanka and England starting on October 18.