Former Pacer Questions PCB’s Decision as Pakistan Prepares for New Zealand Tour
Amir’s controversial selection of Muhammad Haris as T20I captain
Pakistan’s recent leadership shuffle has prompted heated controversy, with former bowler Mohammad Amir publicly expressing his discontent over the appointment of Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s new T20I captain.
Known for his strong opinions, Amir feels that Mohammad Haris would have been a better pick because of his aggressive style of play and leadership background, which fit in well with T20 cricket today.
Agha’s achievements to the ODI and Test teams were acknowledged by Amir in a recent interview, but he maintained his belief that Pakistan needed a youthful, vibrant leader like Haris for the shortest format.
“Haris is captaining everywhere. He led the Pakistan Shaheens, and he also captained in the Champions Cup,” Amir stated.
The argument over whether Salman Ali Agha was the right selection is still gaining pace as Pakistan’s Twenty20 International team prepares to play New Zealand in a much-anticipated white-ball series.
Amir’s Justification on Why Muhammad Haris Was the Best Option
Mohammad Amir’s stance originates from Haris’ leadership background and the PCB’s decision to install a fresh captain rather than choosing an experienced T20 leader.
Haris’ Experience as a Captain
📌 Guided Pakistan Shaheens in several series
📌 He demonstrated his leadership abilities by being captained in the Champions Cup.
📌His aggressive style of play is ideal for contemporary T20 cricket.
At just 23, Haris is a long-term leadership option who has the potential to influence Pakistan’s T20I future for years to come, Amir underlined.
“Agha Salman is a very good cricketer, but if you wanted to bring in a new captain for ODIs and Tests, you should have chosen Mohammad Haris because he has been groomed everywhere as a captain,” Amir added.
This raises issues about PCB’s ambition for the national team and whether they made the right call in hiring Salman Ali Agha over a player with clear leadership potential.
Which of Muhammad Haris and Salman Ali Agha would make a better T20I captain?
Salman Ali Agha: Selected Captain
✅ Excellent ODI and Test player performance
✅ Domestic experience
✅ Reliable international cricket performance
Mohammad Haris—The Other Choice
🔥Explosive, fearless batting approach
🔥Several levels of leadership experience
🔥Young and a potential long-term captain
Since Haris offers new ideas and violence, while Agha offers stability, Amir’s position is compelling.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
Despite the ongoing captaincy debate, Pakistan is moving forward with Salman Ali Agha leading the team for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad vs New Zealand
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Jahandad Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Haris
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Omair Bin Yousaf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Moqim
- Usman Khan
Despite the ongoing captaincy debate, Pakistan is moving forward with Salman Ali Agha leading the team for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
A New Chapter: Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand Schedule
📍 Pakistan will play 5 T20Is & 3 ODIs against New Zealand.
T20I Series
🏏 March 16 – 1st T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch
🏏 March 18 – 2nd T20I | University Oval, Dunedin
🏏 March 21 – 3rd T20I | Eden Park, Auckland
🏏 March 23 – 4th T20I | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
🏏 March 26 – 5th T20I | Sky Stadium, Wellington
ODI Series
🏏 March 29 – 1st ODI | McLean Park, Napier
🏏 April 2 – 2nd ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton
🏏 April 5 – 3rd ODI | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Pakistan will be eager to make a statement, especially with their new leadership under scrutiny.
Concluding Remarks: A Leadership Choice That May Determine Pakistan’s Destiny
In Pakistani cricket circles, Salman Ali Agha’s appointment as captain is still very much debated.
Important Points:
✅ Amir slams PCB’s choice and supports Haris for captaincy
✅ Salman Ali Agha will spearhead Pakistan’s Twenty20 International team against New Zealand
✅ Mohammad Haris has been called up to the national team
✅ The white-ball tour of Pakistan will start on March 16, 2025.
For Salman Ali Agha, the series in New Zealand will serve as a crucial test. If he performs well, his critics—including Mohammad Amir—may alter their views. But PCB’s choice would be questioned more if he has trouble.
Does Amir have a valid point? Or will Agha silence the doubters?
The answers will unfold when Pakistan faces New Zealand in their upcoming T20I series.
FAQs
🔹 Why did Mohammad Amir object to Salman Ali Agha being named captain?
Amir believes Mohammad Haris is a better suitable candidate owing to his leadership experience and aggressive T20 style.
🔹 When Pakistan plays New Zealand in a T20I, who will lead the team?
Shadab Khan will serve as Salman Ali Agha’s deputy as Pakistan’s T20I captain has been announced – Salman Ali Agha
🔹When is the next international series for Pakistan?
Against New Zealand, Pakistan will play three one-day internationals and five twenty-over internationals from March 16–April 5, 2025.
🔹 Has Muhammad Haris ever competed in an international cricket match?
Indeed, Haris has competed in 9 T20Is & accumulated 126 runs at a strike rate of 127.27.
🔹Where is the live Pakistan vs. New Zealand series being streamed?
Click here for live streaming, match highlights, and exclusive insights from the tour! 📺
