The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly denied reports claiming a leadership change in the national cricket team.

 

According to media reports citing sources, the board has strongly denied these rumours, clarifying that no such discussions have taken place during selection committee meetings. PCB officials confirmed that neither leadership changes nor alterations to players’ central contract categories are under consideration.

 

Sources within the board described the circulating stories as baseless and misleading.

 

Earlier, speculation suggested that PCB might give A-category contracts to Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel and appoint them as long-term captains for ODIs and Tests. Reports claimed the PCB think tank held initial consultations before the team departed for Dubai.

 

The rumours gained traction after Shan Masood dropped from category B to category D in the latest central contracts, seen by some as a sign that he could lose his role. It was also reported that the selection committee and head coach favoured Salman Ali Agha for ODI leadership and were impressed by Saud Shakeel’s red-ball captaincy with Pakistan Shaheens. According to those reports, formal announcements were expected after the Asia Cup.

 

PCB, however, has categorically rejected these claims, insisting that no captaincy changes are on the agenda and the current leadership remains intact.