Pakistan has appointed Sahibzada Farhan as the new T20I captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha, who was sacked and dropped from the squad for the home T20I series against Sri Lanka. The opening batter Sahibzada, who led Pakistan to a silver medal in the recently concluded Asian Games final against India, will lead the Men in Green in the three-match series starting October 9. Pakistan has also recalled batter Hasan Nawaz, who scored a blistering 96 in the gold medal match, after a year, with premium quick Naseem Shah also earning a call-up to the T20I side.&nbsp;The right-handed batter Sahibzada, who made his T20I debut eight years ago in 2018, reemerged on the international scene following his heroics in the Asia Cup last year. Taking India’s premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah to the cleaners made him an overnight star, before his consistent performances earned him an ODI cap in March this year. Farhan was Pakistan’s most experienced batter at the Asian Games and led them to a second-place finish behind arch-rivals India.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-champions-withdraw-from-world-championship-of-legends-after-2025-fallout-1791211750982">Pakistan Champions withdraw from World Championship of Legends after 2025 fallout</a>&nbsp;Hasan last featured for Pakistan during the 2025 Asia Cup before dropping out of contention following mediocre outings. Naseem Shah, who last played an international game during the T20 World Cup in the subcontinent in February this year, is back in Pakistan colours. The right-arm seamer has also returned to the ODI squad for the tri-series including Sri Lanka and England.&nbsp;Razaullah, the right-arm quick, who impressed with his pace on his Test debut in Birmingham and followed it up with a breathtaking cameo with the bat, earned his maiden ODI and T20I call-up.&nbsp;Salman Agha, however, is part of the ODI squad.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the ODI setup sees fewer drastic changes, with premier quick Shaheen Shah Afridi retaining his ODI captaincy. The One-Day squad also includes talismanic Pakistan batter Babar Azam but not Mohammad Rizwan, who is under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA).&nbsp;Pakistan's T20I series against Sri Lanka begins on October 9, with Rawalpindi hosting all three matches. The ODI tri-series starts on October 18, with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the opener in Rawalpindi.<h3>Pakistan T20I Squad against Sri Lanka –</h3>Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim<h3>Pakistan ODI squad for Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and England -</h3>Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim

Sahibzada Farhan replaces the sacked Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series, while Naseem Shah returns to the squad.

Pakistan has appointed Sahibzada Farhan as the new T20I captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha, who was sacked and dropped from the squad for the home T20I series against Sri Lanka. The opening batter Sahibzada, who led Pakistan to a silver medal in the recently concluded Asian Games final against India, will lead the Men in Green in the three-match series starting October 9. Pakistan has also recalled batter Hasan Nawaz, who scored a blistering 96 in the gold medal match, after a year, with premium quick Naseem Shah also earning a call-up to the T20I side. The right-handed batter Sahibzada, who made his T20I debut eight years ago in 2018, reemerged on the international scene following his heroics in the Asia Cup last year. Taking India’s premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah to the cleaners made him an overnight star, before his consistent performances earned him an ODI cap in March this year. Farhan was Pakistan’s most experienced batter at the Asian Games and led them to a second-place finish behind arch-rivals India. Also read| Pakistan Champions withdraw from World Championship of Legends after 2025 fallout Hasan last featured for Pakistan during the 2025 Asia Cup before dropping out of contention following mediocre outings. Naseem Shah, who last played an international game during the T20 World Cup in the subcontinent in February this year, is back in Pakistan colours. The right-arm seamer has also returned to the ODI squad for the tri-series including Sri Lanka and England. Razaullah, the right-arm quick, who impressed with his pace on his Test debut in Birmingham and followed it up with a breathtaking cameo with the bat, earned his maiden ODI and T20I call-up. Salman Agha, however, is part of the ODI squad. Meanwhile, the ODI setup sees fewer drastic changes, with premier quick Shaheen Shah Afridi retaining his ODI captaincy. The One-Day squad also includes talismanic Pakistan batter Babar Azam but not Mohammad Rizwan, who is under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA). Pakistan's T20I series against Sri Lanka begins on October 9, with Rawalpindi hosting all three matches. The ODI tri-series starts on October 18, with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the opener in Rawalpindi. Pakistan T20I Squad against Sri Lanka – Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim Pakistan ODI squad for Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and England - Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim

Sahibzada Farhan replaces the sacked Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series, while Naseem Shah returns to the squad.

Sahibzada Farhan named Pakistan T20I captain as Salman Agha sacked for Sri Lanka series

A fortnight after the PCB sent Salman Ali Agha, along with six other players and the two coaches, home midway through the UK tour in the name of a ‘Test shake-up’, the Pakistan white-ball captain responded with his maiden triple hundred in domestic cricket. Playing for Kingsmen Academy against Markhor IT Solutions at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in the first round of the President's Trophy, Salman smashed his highest first-class score of an unbeaten 300 off 336 balls, surpassing his previous best of 169. Although his returns in the whites for Pakistan in his last two away tours were below par, Salman credited ‘adjustments’ he made to his game for his monstrous score.&nbsp;"My form in international cricket has not been up to the mark in the last few series. You make adjustments which can be very helpful [in regaining the form]. I also made slight adjustments to my batting, which has helped me a lot … I am very happy because such milestones are once in a lifetime,” Agha said in a video released by the PCB.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-docked-11-wtc-points-england-edgbaston-test-1789383808469">WTC Blow: Pakistan fined 50% and docked 11 points for Edgbaston Test over-rate</a>&nbsp;Agha struggled for runs in Tests in the West Indies and England, accumulating only 45 runs across his last five innings before being sent home in a shock PCB move. While Salman Agha stood as the interim captain for the series opener in Leeds in Babar Azam’s absence, the selection committee dropped Agha for Babar in the second Test at Lord’s, after which the drama began. From being benched in the second Test to finding himself out of the squad for the third and final Test in Birmingham, Agha endured a topsy-turvy time during this period.&nbsp;After conceding the three-match Test series in England, with the Edgbaston defeat being their 16th loss in their last 21 matches, Pakistan find themselves at the bottom of the WTC standings. Such results have forced harsh calls from all quarters, including PCB selectors, who want all first-team players across formats to feature regularly in Pakistan’s domestic first-class cricket.&nbsp;As a centrally-contracted PCB player, Salman Agha belongs to the A/B category (Test and ODI specialists), and is bound to play at least six and four domestic first-class matches each year. Agha had played only three first-class matches in the last three years, but reflects on the importance of playing regular domestic cricket.&nbsp;"It is very important for an international cricketer to play domestic cricket and I think every cricketer should play domestic cricket when he gets an opportunity. That's what I do, and I feel very good to be back in the domestic circuit,” he said.&nbsp;Not part of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, Agha would next feature in the T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, followed by an ODI tri-series also involving England.

Axed midway through Pakistan's Test tour of the UK, Salman Ali Agha responded by smashing a maiden unbeaten 300 off 336 balls in the President's Trophy.

A fortnight after the PCB sent Salman Ali Agha, along with six other players and the two coaches, home midway through the UK tour in the name of a ‘Test shake-up’, the Pakistan white-ball captain responded with his maiden triple hundred in domestic cricket. Playing for Kingsmen Academy against Markhor IT Solutions at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in the first round of the President's Trophy, Salman smashed his highest first-class score of an unbeaten 300 off 336 balls, surpassing his previous best of 169. Although his returns in the whites for Pakistan in his last two away tours were below par, Salman credited ‘adjustments’ he made to his game for his monstrous score. "My form in international cricket has not been up to the mark in the last few series. You make adjustments which can be very helpful [in regaining the form]. I also made slight adjustments to my batting, which has helped me a lot … I am very happy because such milestones are once in a lifetime,” Agha said in a video released by the PCB. Also read| WTC Blow: Pakistan fined 50% and docked 11 points for Edgbaston Test over-rate Agha struggled for runs in Tests in the West Indies and England, accumulating only 45 runs across his last five innings before being sent home in a shock PCB move. While Salman Agha stood as the interim captain for the series opener in Leeds in Babar Azam’s absence, the selection committee dropped Agha for Babar in the second Test at Lord’s, after which the drama began. From being benched in the second Test to finding himself out of the squad for the third and final Test in Birmingham, Agha endured a topsy-turvy time during this period. After conceding the three-match Test series in England, with the Edgbaston defeat being their 16th loss in their last 21 matches, Pakistan find themselves at the bottom of the WTC standings. Such results have forced harsh calls from all quarters, including PCB selectors, who want all first-team players across formats to feature regularly in Pakistan’s domestic first-class cricket. As a centrally-contracted PCB player, Salman Agha belongs to the A/B category (Test and ODI specialists), and is bound to play at least six and four domestic first-class matches each year. Agha had played only three first-class matches in the last three years, but reflects on the importance of playing regular domestic cricket. "It is very important for an international cricketer to play domestic cricket and I think every cricketer should play domestic cricket when he gets an opportunity. That's what I do, and I feel very good to be back in the domestic circuit,” he said. Not part of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, Agha would next feature in the T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, followed by an ODI tri-series also involving England.

Axed midway through Pakistan's Test tour of the UK, Salman Ali Agha responded by smashing a maiden unbeaten 300 off 336 balls in the President's Trophy.

Sent home midway from UK tour, Pakistan's Salman Agha hits 300* in domestic return

Pakistan cricket faces fresh turmoil after its three senior players: keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq and middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha, were reported for behavioural issues within the dressing room. These three players, alongside four others and two coaches, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, were all sent home after Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s and conceded the three-match series 2-0, with one game to play. While their lean form remained the prime factor in their exit midway through the tour, behavioural issues made things worse for the trio. &nbsp;Salman Agha captained Pakistan in the series opener at Headingley in Babar Azam’s absence, out with a finger injury. The visitors lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. Despite Babar returning for the Lord’s Test, the results did not change for Pakistan as they lost the second Test by 194 runs, having failed to cross 200 across two innings. Salman -- the stand-in captain in Leeds -- was dropped from the playing XI for the second Test and sent home ahead of the third at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting Sep 9.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-chief-naqvi-to-remove-aaqib-javed-selection-clean-up-1788602808777">PCB chief Naqvi set to remove Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed in ‘wider clean-up’</a> &nbsp;Rizwan, on the other hand, failed to impress with the bat, scoring 7, 1, 12 and 41 in four outings. Although he was outstanding with the gloves, keeping close to seamer Mohammad Abbas, his lack of match awareness and dismissal manners, compounded by dressing room behaviours, led to his exile. &nbsp;Amid surrounding reports and allegations regarding his past injury disclosures, Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a left strain, was ruled out of the second Test. Although he suffered that injury during the Leeds Test, Imam did not bat in either innings in the second match, with Pakistan getting all out for 110 and 194 at Lord's. &nbsp;A PTI report also claims that the trio are now expected to appear before a committee and explain their conduct in connection with certain incidents during the away tours of the West Indies and England. On the other hand, the remaining players were sent home following Mike Hesson’s recommendations, who took charge of the third Test following Sarfaraz's release. &nbsp;“The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” a source said, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan is languishing at the bottom of the WTC standings with six losses and two wins in eight contested matches in the 2025-27 cycle.&nbsp;

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha reportedly face PCB inquiry over dressing-room "behavioural issues" after being dropped midway through the England Test series.

Pakistan cricket faces fresh turmoil after its three senior players: keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq and middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha, were reported for behavioural issues within the dressing room. These three players, alongside four others and two coaches, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, were all sent home after Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s and conceded the three-match series 2-0, with one game to play. While their lean form remained the prime factor in their exit midway through the tour, behavioural issues made things worse for the trio. Salman Agha captained Pakistan in the series opener at Headingley in Babar Azam’s absence, out with a finger injury. The visitors lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. Despite Babar returning for the Lord’s Test, the results did not change for Pakistan as they lost the second Test by 194 runs, having failed to cross 200 across two innings. Salman -- the stand-in captain in Leeds -- was dropped from the playing XI for the second Test and sent home ahead of the third at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting Sep 9. Also read| PCB chief Naqvi set to remove Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed in ‘wider clean-up’ Rizwan, on the other hand, failed to impress with the bat, scoring 7, 1, 12 and 41 in four outings. Although he was outstanding with the gloves, keeping close to seamer Mohammad Abbas, his lack of match awareness and dismissal manners, compounded by dressing room behaviours, led to his exile. Amid surrounding reports and allegations regarding his past injury disclosures, Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a left strain, was ruled out of the second Test. Although he suffered that injury during the Leeds Test, Imam did not bat in either innings in the second match, with Pakistan getting all out for 110 and 194 at Lord's. A PTI report also claims that the trio are now expected to appear before a committee and explain their conduct in connection with certain incidents during the away tours of the West Indies and England. On the other hand, the remaining players were sent home following Mike Hesson’s recommendations, who took charge of the third Test following Sarfaraz's release. “The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” a source said, as quoted by PTI. Meanwhile, Pakistan is languishing at the bottom of the WTC standings with six losses and two wins in eight contested matches in the 2025-27 cycle.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha reportedly face PCB inquiry over dressing-room "behavioural issues" after being dropped midway through the England Test series.

ENG vs PAK 2026: Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq dropped over alleged 'behavioural issues'

Salman Ali Agha’s fighting century went in vain as Pakistan suffered an 11-run defeat to Bangladesh in the deciding third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday (Mar 15). With this win, Bangladesh secured the three-match series 2-1. Batting first, Bangladesh made 290/5 in their 50 overs. The highlight of the innings was a superb hundred by Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who played an impressive knock and helped his team reach a strong total. Litton Das supported with 41 runs, while Towhid Hridoy contributed 48 to keep the innings steady during the middle overs.&nbsp;For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 52 runs in his 10 overs. Captain Shaheen Afridi (1/55) and Abrar Ahmed (1/49) picked up one wicket each, while the rest of the bowlers failed to make much impact.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-antonelli-sets-record-as-f1-s-second-youngest-race-winner-1773580415113">Kimi Antonelli sets record as F1’s second-youngest race winner</a>&nbsp;Chasing 291, Pakistan fought hard but were eventually bowled out for 279. Salman Agha was the top scorer with 106 runs from 98 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Saad Masood scored 38 and Shaheen Afridi contributed 37. However, Bangladesh bowlers took important wickets at key moments, restricting Pakistan from reaching the target.&nbsp;For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with four wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, while Mustafizur Rahman claimed three wickets. Nahid Rana also played a key role, taking two wickets for 62 runs.&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-nz-1st-t20i-south-africa-beat-new-zealand-by-seven-wickets-lead-series-1-0-1773571007815"> NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: South Africa beat New Zealand by 7 wickets, lead series 1-0</a>&nbsp;Reflecting on the win, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said, “It was definitely an excellent match. I was also a bit nervous, especially in the last over when 14 runs were required. Everyone feels that pressure. The wicket played well, and although 300 would have been ideal, 290 was still competitive. Amim, Shankal, and Tawhid played really well, and the boys executed brilliantly under pressure.”

Salman Ali Agha’s fighting century went in vain as Pakistan were bowled out for 279 while chasing 291 in the ODI series decider against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Salman Ali Agha’s fighting century went in vain as Pakistan suffered an 11-run defeat to Bangladesh in the deciding third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday (Mar 15). With this win, Bangladesh secured the three-match series 2-1. Batting first, Bangladesh made 290/5 in their 50 overs. The highlight of the innings was a superb hundred by Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who played an impressive knock and helped his team reach a strong total. Litton Das supported with 41 runs, while Towhid Hridoy contributed 48 to keep the innings steady during the middle overs. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 52 runs in his 10 overs. Captain Shaheen Afridi (1/55) and Abrar Ahmed (1/49) picked up one wicket each, while the rest of the bowlers failed to make much impact. Also Read - Kimi Antonelli sets record as F1’s second-youngest race winner Chasing 291, Pakistan fought hard but were eventually bowled out for 279. Salman Agha was the top scorer with 106 runs from 98 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Saad Masood scored 38 and Shaheen Afridi contributed 37. However, Bangladesh bowlers took important wickets at key moments, restricting Pakistan from reaching the target. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with four wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, while Mustafizur Rahman claimed three wickets. Nahid Rana also played a key role, taking two wickets for 62 runs. Also Read - NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: South Africa beat New Zealand by 7 wickets, lead series 1-0 Reflecting on the win, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said, “It was definitely an excellent match. I was also a bit nervous, especially in the last over when 14 runs were required. Everyone feels that pressure. The wicket played well, and although 300 would have been ideal, 290 was still competitive. Amim, Shankal, and Tawhid played really well, and the boys executed brilliantly under pressure.”

Salman Ali Agha’s valiant century in vain as Pakistan were bowled out for 279 while chasing 291 in the ODI series decider against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Salman Ali Agha’s 106 in vain as Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 11 runs, win series 2-1

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das spoke about the controversial run-out of Salman Ali Agha during the second ODI against Pakistan on Mar 13. Litton said the dismissal was completely within the rules and that Bangladesh had every right to take the wicket. The moment happened in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings and that time, Agha and Mohammad Rizwan were building a good partnership after Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field first.&nbsp;On the fourth ball of the over, Rizwan gently pushed the ball towards the bowler’s right side and Miraz tried to stop it with his boot during his follow-through and accidentally collided with Agha at the non-striker’s end. The ball stopped close to them and Agha stepped out of his crease. Thinking the play had ended, he bent down to pick up the ball and return it to Miraz.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/life-after-cricket-ashes-hero-england-mark-wood-hints-at-retirement-amid-knee-injury-recovery-1773478777893">‘Life after Cricket’: Ashes hero Mark Wood hints at retirement amid injury recovery</a>&nbsp;However, Miraz quickly picked up the ball and threw it underarm at the non-striker’s stumps while Agha was still outside his crease. Miraz appealed immediately and on-field umpire Tanvir Ahmed referred the decision to the TV umpire. After checking the replay, the third umpire ruled Agha run out because the ball was still in play and his bat was not inside the crease.&nbsp;Agha, who had scored 64 runs from 62 balls, was clearly unhappy with the decision and exchanged words with Miraz. The situation became tense for a moment when Litton also got involved, but Rizwan stepped in to calm things down.&nbsp;After the match, Litton defended Bangladesh’s decision and said that the team was playing a international match and not a friendly or charity game.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smackdown-results-march-13-randy-orton-turns-heel-on-cody-rhodes-drew-mcintyre-quits-wwe-wrestlemania-42-1773471377850">SmackDown Results: Randy Orton turns heel on Rhodes; Drew McIntyre quits WWE</a>&nbsp;“First of all, no one came here to play a charity league; this is an international match,” said Litton, as quoted by Daily Star Bangladesh.&nbsp;During the broadcast, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said the decision affected the spirit of the game and Agha had only tried to help the bowler and did not expect to be run out.&nbsp;“Although it is out according to the rules, sportsmanship has been severely affected here. The batter had gone to help the bowler. He did not expect that he would be run out for it,” said Raja.&nbsp;Litton disagreed with that view and said the dismissal followed the rules and that the players believed a legal wicket should count.&nbsp;“Since the dismissal is within the rules, I don’t see from any angle that sportsmanship was compromised. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion. But as players, we felt that an out is an out,” Litton added.&nbsp;Later, Agha shared his thoughts during the press conference and accepted that Miraz’s action was legal but said he personally would have acted differently.&nbsp;"I think sportsman spirit has to be there," Agha said at the press conference. "What he (Mehidy) has done is in the law. I think if he thinks it's right, it's right, but if you ask me my perspective, I would have done differently. I would have gone for sportsman spirit. We haven't done this type of thing previously, we would never do that in the future as well," said Agha.

During the press conference, Salman Agha shared his thoughts and accepted that Miraz’s action was legal but said he personally would have acted differently.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das spoke about the controversial run-out of Salman Ali Agha during the second ODI against Pakistan on Mar 13. Litton said the dismissal was completely within the rules and that Bangladesh had every right to take the wicket. The moment happened in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings and that time, Agha and Mohammad Rizwan were building a good partnership after Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field first. On the fourth ball of the over, Rizwan gently pushed the ball towards the bowler’s right side and Miraz tried to stop it with his boot during his follow-through and accidentally collided with Agha at the non-striker’s end. The ball stopped close to them and Agha stepped out of his crease. Thinking the play had ended, he bent down to pick up the ball and return it to Miraz. Also Read - ‘Life after Cricket’: Ashes hero Mark Wood hints at retirement amid injury recovery However, Miraz quickly picked up the ball and threw it underarm at the non-striker’s stumps while Agha was still outside his crease. Miraz appealed immediately and on-field umpire Tanvir Ahmed referred the decision to the TV umpire. After checking the replay, the third umpire ruled Agha run out because the ball was still in play and his bat was not inside the crease. Agha, who had scored 64 runs from 62 balls, was clearly unhappy with the decision and exchanged words with Miraz. The situation became tense for a moment when Litton also got involved, but Rizwan stepped in to calm things down. After the match, Litton defended Bangladesh’s decision and said that the team was playing a international match and not a friendly or charity game. Also Read - SmackDown Results: Randy Orton turns heel on Rhodes; Drew McIntyre quits WWE “First of all, no one came here to play a charity league; this is an international match,” said Litton, as quoted by Daily Star Bangladesh. During the broadcast, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said the decision affected the spirit of the game and Agha had only tried to help the bowler and did not expect to be run out. “Although it is out according to the rules, sportsmanship has been severely affected here. The batter had gone to help the bowler. He did not expect that he would be run out for it,” said Raja. Litton disagreed with that view and said the dismissal followed the rules and that the players believed a legal wicket should count. “Since the dismissal is within the rules, I don’t see from any angle that sportsmanship was compromised. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion. But as players, we felt that an out is an out,” Litton added. Later, Agha shared his thoughts during the press conference and accepted that Miraz’s action was legal but said he personally would have acted differently. "I think sportsman spirit has to be there," Agha said at the press conference. "What he (Mehidy) has done is in the law. I think if he thinks it's right, it's right, but if you ask me my perspective, I would have done differently. I would have gone for sportsman spirit. We haven't done this type of thing previously, we would never do that in the future as well," said Agha.

During the press conference, Salman Agha shared his thoughts and accepted that Miraz’s action was legal but said he personally would have acted differently.

'No one came here to play a charity league': Litton Das reacts to Salman Agha’s controversial run-out

In what has become a routine result in last two decades or so, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-india-thrash-pakistan-to-confirm-super-8-spot-ishan-kishan-stars-with-bat-india-vs-pakistan-1771173049221">Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India</a> in yet another T20 World Cup match - this time on Sunday (Feb 15) at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Group A fixture in T20 World Cup 2026 was so one-sided that Pakistan fans bashed their own team after the 61-run loss. Batting first, India scored 175/7 thanks to Ishan Kishan's 40-ball 77 and then bowled out Pakistan for a paltry 114 in 18 overs. Pak wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was highest scorer for them with 44 off 34 and the second best Pak batter was Shaheen Afridi with 23, clearing showing by they lost.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-most-spin-overs-by-any-team-pakistan-create-history-despite-crushing-loss-vs-india-1771206816196">T20 WC 2026 | 'Most by any team:' PAK create history despite tough loss vs India</a><h2>Unforgiving Pak fans lash out a poor performance vs India</h2>While many of the fans didn't expect an outright win, they hoped for a fight from their team but alas, Pak's only happiness came in the first over when skipper Salman Agha dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck. Everything went downhill from thereon for Pakistan. Here's how the fans reacted:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan India ka match hai mjhe tu koi farq nahi parhta. Meanwhile me: <a href="https://t.co/dxfwpDu5LD">pic.twitter.com/dxfwpDu5LD</a>&mdash; Ma&#39;mun (@AlMamunnnn) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlMamunnnn/status/2022963217979630035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am happy that pakistani twitter is finally talking about dropping Shaheen shah afridi who has bottled pakistan many matches in the past&mdash; Yamina (@Yameiena) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yameiena/status/2023059579194732554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Itna acha match chal raha hay buhat maza araha hay <a href="https://t.co/wxqCirvv3z">pic.twitter.com/wxqCirvv3z</a>&mdash; Casper🍓 (@chocococomoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/chocococomoo/status/2023035065278832759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Also idk why anyone expected anything different they do this underdog gimmick every time 😭&mdash; rameen (@rameenwhile) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameenwhile/status/2023068695858381195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">boycott hi theek tha yaar abhi sukoon se hum stress free sunday evening enjoy ker rahay hotay, family ke sath beth ke koi khana waghera kha lete idher halaq se paani utarnay wali halat nahi rahi&mdash; nma. (@namaloomafraaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/namaloomafraaad/status/2023042676845887996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">yaar pakistan ko cricket kon khelne deta hai pehlay ye batao&mdash; ☆ (@samacoree) <a href="https://twitter.com/samacoree/status/2023061833633218951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My dad inventing new gaaliyan i haven’t even heard before 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭&mdash; Duaa 🇵🇰💗 (@duaa_elahi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/duaa_elahi1/status/2023035356736893324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Can Pakistan make it to Super 8?</h2>After losing against India, Pakistan are now in must-win territory if they are to qualify for the Super 8 stage. Pakistan have won their matches against the USA and Netherlands before losing to India. They next play against Namibia in their last group-stage fixture. Pakistan would need to win the fixture against Namibia to qualify for the Super 8 along with India, who are already through the next stage. If Pakistan lose against Namibia, they will be tied with the USA at four points each and the team with better net run rate will advance to the next round.&nbsp;

Batting first, India scored 175/7 thanks to Ishan Kishan's 40-ball 77 and then bowled out Pakistan for a paltry 114 in 18 overs. Pak wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was highest scorer for them with 44 off 34 and the second best Pak batter was Shaheen Afridi with 23.

In what has become a routine result in last two decades or so, Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India in yet another T20 World Cup match - this time on Sunday (Feb 15) at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Group A fixture in T20 World Cup 2026 was so one-sided that Pakistan fans bashed their own team after the 61-run loss. Batting first, India scored 175/7 thanks to Ishan Kishan's 40-ball 77 and then bowled out Pakistan for a paltry 114 in 18 overs. Pak wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was highest scorer for them with 44 off 34 and the second best Pak batter was Shaheen Afridi with 23, clearing showing by they lost. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | 'Most by any team:' PAK create history despite tough loss vs India Unforgiving Pak fans lash out a poor performance vs India While many of the fans didn't expect an outright win, they hoped for a fight from their team but alas, Pak's only happiness came in the first over when skipper Salman Agha dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck. Everything went downhill from thereon for Pakistan. Here's how the fans reacted:

Batting first, India scored 175/7 thanks to Ishan Kishan's 40-ball 77 and then bowled out Pakistan for a paltry 114 in 18 overs. Pak wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was highest scorer for them with 44 off 34 and the second best Pak batter was Shaheen Afridi with 23.

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Gimmick every time:' Unforgiving Pak fans troll own team after another loss vs India

Pakistan lost the T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India on Sunday (Feb 15) at Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka by 61 runs but still managed to create a piece of history. Pakistan bowled 18 overs of spin in the match against India and used six spinners - both the most by a team in a T20 World Cup match. The only other time a team bowled 18 overs of spin in the T20 World Cup was also Pakistan against Australia in 2012 T20 World Cup at the same venue. While Pak managed to win the 2012 contest against Australia, they lost the Sunday's clash against India after being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-india-thrash-pakistan-to-confirm-super-8-spot-ishan-kishan-stars-with-bat-india-vs-pakistan-1771173049221">all out for 114 in a chase of 176</a>. In total, 11 spinners were used in the match by both teams combined, the most in a T20 World Cup match.<h2>Pakistan bowl record spinners and spin-overs vs India</h2>After electing to bowl first, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha started the proceedings with his off-spin and even dismissed dangerous Abhishek Sharma. Shaheen Afridi, left-arm pacer, bowled the second over for Pakistan but went for 15 runs,. Skipper Salman returned to bowl the third over - his final of the match. Pak opener Saim Ayub and leggie Abrar Ahmed bowled the next three overs to finish the powerplay. The spinners continued to bowl next 13 overs before Afridi returned to finish the innings in 20th over - his second of the match.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-pretty-disappointed-dressing-room-pak-coach-hesson-questions-shot-selection-by-top-order-after-loss-vs-india-1771203747786">T20 WC 2026 | Pak coach questions shot selection by top order post loss vs India</a>For Pakista, skipper Salman picked 1/10 in his two overs, Ayub picked 3/25 in four overs, and Usman Tariq chipped in with 1/24 in four overs. Apart from them, leggie Abrar went for 38 runs in three overs without a wicket, Shadab Khan bowled only one over for 17 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz gave away 28 runs in four overs without a wicket.<h2>India bowl 5 spinners as well</h2>For India, vice-captain Axar Patel bowled four overs for 29 runs and picked two wickets, mystery spinners Varun Chakaravarth bowled three overs for his 2/17, Kuldeep Yadav picked 1/14 in his three overs, Tilak Varma chipped in with 1/11 in two overs and Rinku Singh one over for nine runs and no wickets.

In total, 11 spinners were used in the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match by both teams combined, the most in a T20 World Cup match. The only other time a team bowled 18 overs of spin in the T20 World Cup was also Pakistan against Australia in 2012 T20 World Cup at the same venue.

Pakistan lost the T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India on Sunday (Feb 15) at Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka by 61 runs but still managed to create a piece of history. Pakistan bowled 18 overs of spin in the match against India and used six spinners - both the most by a team in a T20 World Cup match. The only other time a team bowled 18 overs of spin in the T20 World Cup was also Pakistan against Australia in 2012 T20 World Cup at the same venue. While Pak managed to win the 2012 contest against Australia, they lost the Sunday's clash against India after being all out for 114 in a chase of 176. In total, 11 spinners were used in the match by both teams combined, the most in a T20 World Cup match. Pakistan bowl record spinners and spin-overs vs India After electing to bowl first, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha started the proceedings with his off-spin and even dismissed dangerous Abhishek Sharma. Shaheen Afridi, left-arm pacer, bowled the second over for Pakistan but went for 15 runs,. Skipper Salman returned to bowl the third over - his final of the match. Pak opener Saim Ayub and leggie Abrar Ahmed bowled the next three overs to finish the powerplay. The spinners continued to bowl next 13 overs before Afridi returned to finish the innings in 20th over - his second of the match. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | Pak coach questions shot selection by top order post loss vs India For Pakista, skipper Salman picked 1/10 in his two overs, Ayub picked 3/25 in four overs, and Usman Tariq chipped in with 1/24 in four overs. Apart from them, leggie Abrar went for 38 runs in three overs without a wicket, Shadab Khan bowled only one over for 17 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz gave away 28 runs in four overs without a wicket. India bowl 5 spinners as well For India, vice-captain Axar Patel bowled four overs for 29 runs and picked two wickets, mystery spinners Varun Chakaravarth bowled three overs for his 2/17, Kuldeep Yadav picked 1/14 in his three overs, Tilak Varma chipped in with 1/11 in two overs and Rinku Singh one over for nine runs and no wickets.

In total, 11 spinners were used in the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match by both teams combined, the most in a T20 World Cup match. The only other time a team bowled 18 overs of spin in the T20 World Cup was also Pakistan against Australia in 2012 T20 World Cup at the same venue.

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Most by any team:' Pakistan create history despite crushing loss vs India

Pakistan has still not confirmed their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which starts Feb 7. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, however, has confirmed that he'll play at number 3 in the ICC tournament - hiting at Pakistan just trying to delay the inevitable. Agha's comments came after he smashed quickfire 39 in the first T20I against Australia. Pakistan went on to win the first of three T20Is by 22 runs. The 2009 T20 World Cup champs are expected to announce their decision to play soon, given the tournament starts in nearly a week's time.<h2>Pak skipper hints at T20 World Cup participation</h2>Salman came to bat number three in the first T20I against Australia on Thursday (Jan 29) and scored handy 39. After the win, Agha confirmed that he'll play at number three for the rest of the series as it gives the team more attacking options and his ability to dominate opposition spinners in the powerplay.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-2026-future-is-always-ice-until-it-isnt-cricket-iceland-withdrawing-from-race-to-replace-pak-takes-shot-at-icc-scotland-1769699167831">Cricket Iceland, withdrawing from race to replace Pak, takes shot at ICC &amp; Scotland</a>"Yes, I'll be batting at No.3 (in the future)," Ali Agha declared. "We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay."<h2>Paksitan coming to play T20 World Cup or not?</h2>After Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi's meeting with Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, he had said that the decision would lie with the government. Pakistan, notably, will be playing their matches in Sri Lanka under the agreement with ICC according to which they will not travel to India, co-host of T20 World Cup 2026 with Sri Lanka, and India will be also not travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournaments and their matches will played at a neutral venue. The decision on Pakistan's participation, however, is still pending with the tournament set to begin on Feb 7 and the final scheduled for Mar 8.

Salman came to bat number three in the first T20I against Australia on Thursday (Jan 29) and scored handy 39. After the 22-run win, Agha confirmed that he'll play at number three for the rest of the series as it gives the team more attacking options.

Pakistan has still not confirmed their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which starts Feb 7. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, however, has confirmed that he'll play at number 3 in the ICC tournament - hiting at Pakistan just trying to delay the inevitable. Agha's comments came after he smashed quickfire 39 in the first T20I against Australia. Pakistan went on to win the first of three T20Is by 22 runs. The 2009 T20 World Cup champs are expected to announce their decision to play soon, given the tournament starts in nearly a week's time. Pak skipper hints at T20 World Cup participation Salman came to bat number three in the first T20I against Australia on Thursday (Jan 29) and scored handy 39. After the win, Agha confirmed that he'll play at number three for the rest of the series as it gives the team more attacking options and his ability to dominate opposition spinners in the powerplay. Also Read: Cricket Iceland, withdrawing from race to replace Pak, takes shot at ICC & Scotland "Yes, I'll be batting at No.3 (in the future)," Ali Agha declared. "We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay." Paksitan coming to play T20 World Cup or not? After Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi's meeting with Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, he had said that the decision would lie with the government. Pakistan, notably, will be playing their matches in Sri Lanka under the agreement with ICC according to which they will not travel to India, co-host of T20 World Cup 2026 with Sri Lanka, and India will be also not travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournaments and their matches will played at a neutral venue. The decision on Pakistan's participation, however, is still pending with the tournament set to begin on Feb 7 and the final scheduled for Mar 8.

Salman came to bat number three in the first T20I against Australia on Thursday (Jan 29) and scored handy 39. After the 22-run win, Agha confirmed that he'll play at number three for the rest of the series as it gives the team more attacking options.

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Batting order confirmed before participation': Pak skipper Agha declares he'll bat number 3

Pakistan's T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has more or less confirmed the participation of Babar Azam in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to be played from Feb 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, will be playing all their matches in Sri Lanka, given the current unstable political situation with India. The 2009 edition winners, however, have been in decent form recently including winning the home tri series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Agha, speaking on a recent Pakistan Cricket Board podcast, said that there won't be much changes in the squad which has played recently.<h2>Agha on Pakistan squad for 2026 T20 World Cup</h2>“I don’t think there will be any major changes before the World Cup; this will be the combination. All players have been given their roles, and we will move forward with these roles,” Salman said. “Six matches are left before the T20 World Cup, we will have to play with consistency. We cannot make big changes in these six matches." Apart from Babar, pacer Naseem Shah could also get a ticket to Colombo after being handed a comeback in the T20I side.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-all-rounder-shakib-admits-to-chucking-intentionally-1765185834054">Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib admits to chucking intentionally</a><h2>Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026</h2>The Asian team is placed in Group A along with arch rivals India, Netherlands, Namibia, the United States of America. Pakistan start their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 and take the USA in the next match on Feb 10. The high-octane match against India is scheduled for Feb 15 before they take on Namibia on Feb 18 in the last group stage match."I want us to win the 2026 T20 World Cup and then the 2027 ODI World Cup. Winning both World Cups is my dream; if it happens, I will be very happy," Salman said on his expectations from the side in the tournament.

The Asian team is placed in Group A along with arch rivals India, Netherlands, Namibia, the United States of America. Pakistan start their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 and take the USA in the next match on Feb 10. The high-octane match against India is scheduled for Feb 15 before they take on Namibia on Feb 18 in the last group stage match.

Pakistan's T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has more or less confirmed the participation of Babar Azam in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to be played from Feb 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, will be playing all their matches in Sri Lanka, given the current unstable political situation with India. The 2009 edition winners, however, have been in decent form recently including winning the home tri series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Agha, speaking on a recent Pakistan Cricket Board podcast, said that there won't be much changes in the squad which has played recently. Agha on Pakistan squad for 2026 T20 World Cup “I don’t think there will be any major changes before the World Cup; this will be the combination. All players have been given their roles, and we will move forward with these roles,” Salman said. “Six matches are left before the T20 World Cup, we will have to play with consistency. We cannot make big changes in these six matches." Apart from Babar, pacer Naseem Shah could also get a ticket to Colombo after being handed a comeback in the T20I side. Also Read - Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib admits to chucking intentionally Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 The Asian team is placed in Group A along with arch rivals India, Netherlands, Namibia, the United States of America. Pakistan start their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 and take the USA in the next match on Feb 10. The high-octane match against India is scheduled for Feb 15 before they take on Namibia on Feb 18 in the last group stage match. "I want us to win the 2026 T20 World Cup and then the 2027 ODI World Cup. Winning both World Cups is my dream; if it happens, I will be very happy," Salman said on his expectations from the side in the tournament.

The Asian team is placed in Group A along with arch rivals India, Netherlands, Namibia, the United States of America. Pakistan start their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 and take the USA in the next match on Feb 10. The high-octane match against India is scheduled for Feb 15 before they take on Namibia on Feb 18 in the last group stage match.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha shares update on Babar Azam's chances to play in 2026 T20 World Cup

Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, shared his thoughts on the interactions between him and India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, during the Asia Cup, claiming that Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with him in private at the beginning of the tournament but refrained from doing so in front of the cameras. "He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament," Agha was quoted as saying to the reporters after the final. "Both at the pre-tournament press conference and when we met in the referee's meeting. But when they're out in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands. I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given, but if it was up to him, he'd shake hands with me," he added. &nbsp;Agha also expressed his disappointment over certain actions during the tournament. "What India has done in this tournament is very disappointing," he said. "They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands—they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfill our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful. This is the first time I've ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it's bad for cricket," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-final-2025-pakistan-captain-salman-ali-agha-skipped-presentation-but-says-india-disrespecting-cricket-1759118436682">Asia Cup Final 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped press conferences but says India 'disrespecting&nbsp;cricket'</a>&nbsp;Agha also reflected on the broader impact such actions could have on cricket fans, especially the younger generation. “I'm not just a Pakistan captain, I'm a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we're not sending them a good message. People think of us as role models, but if we're behaving like this, we're not inspiring them. What happened shouldn't have happened, but you should ask the people (India) responsible for this rather than me.”

The Indian team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav defended the Asia Cup title after they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Tilak Varma was also named Man of the Match for his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls

Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, shared his thoughts on the interactions between him and India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, during the Asia Cup, claiming that Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with him in private at the beginning of the tournament but refrained from doing so in front of the cameras. "He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament," Agha was quoted as saying to the reporters after the final. "Both at the pre-tournament press conference and when we met in the referee's meeting. But when they're out in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands. I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given, but if it was up to him, he'd shake hands with me," he added. Agha also expressed his disappointment over certain actions during the tournament. "What India has done in this tournament is very disappointing," he said. "They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands—they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfill our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful. This is the first time I've ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it's bad for cricket," he added. Also Read: Asia Cup Final 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped press conferences but says India 'disrespecting cricket' Agha also reflected on the broader impact such actions could have on cricket fans, especially the younger generation. “I'm not just a Pakistan captain, I'm a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we're not sending them a good message. People think of us as role models, but if we're behaving like this, we're not inspiring them. What happened shouldn't have happened, but you should ask the people (India) responsible for this rather than me.”

The Indian team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav defended the Asia Cup title after they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Tilak Varma was also named Man of the Match for his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls

Asia Cup Final 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha claims Suryakumar Yadav shook hands in 'private'. What Happened at the Asia Cup?

Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, shared his thoughts on the recent controversies surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup, focusing on the importance of sportsmanship and the values cricket represents. Agha, speaking after Pakistan’s defeat by India, emphasised that while there were challenges in the tournament, the core issue was maintaining respect for the game itself. Addressing the issue of post-match handshakes, Agha pointed out that the refusal to engage in traditional gestures could lead to misinterpretations, particularly among younger fans. "What happened in this tournament, I think it is very disappointing," Agha said. "If you look at it, they feel that by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting us but in fact they are disrespecting cricket. And anyone who disrespects cricket, I think it comes back and I am very sure that it will happen.&nbsp;"What they have done today, I think a good team doesn't do this. Good teams do what we have done; we went alone and posed with the trophy and even after the loss, we stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use very harsh words but to be very honest, this is very disrespectful to the game, not anyone else."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-raise-strong-objection-at-icc-meeting-over-trophy-dispute-with-mohsin-naqvi-1759114992681">Asia Cup 2025: BCCI to raise strong objection at ICC meeting over trophy dispute with Mohsin Naqvi</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Salman defended his team's decision to cancel several press conferences, saying it was directly in reply to India's conduct. "Yes, there was no pre-match press conference at times but those things that happened after whatever happened on the ground. We were not the ones to start. And, to be honest, it is not about who is doing it, whatever is happening is bad for the game of cricket."&nbsp;The Pakistan captain also expressed concern that such actions might unintentionally set a bad example for the next generation of fans. “Say I am not the captain of Pakistan, even just as a cricket fan, I will not second what's happening because it is wrong. To a kid sitting at home, whether he/she is from Pakistan or India, what message are we sending? We are not giving a good message because people think of us as role models, so if we start behaving like this as role models then we are not inspiring anyone. And if we are inspiring, then we are inspiring them about the wrong things. I am saying this again, whatever happened was wrong and it should not have happened. So those who did it should be questioned."

Men in Blue defended the Asia Cup title after they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Tilak Varma was the star player for the team, hitting an unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries

Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, shared his thoughts on the recent controversies surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup, focusing on the importance of sportsmanship and the values cricket represents. Agha, speaking after Pakistan’s defeat by India, emphasised that while there were challenges in the tournament, the core issue was maintaining respect for the game itself. Addressing the issue of post-match handshakes, Agha pointed out that the refusal to engage in traditional gestures could lead to misinterpretations, particularly among younger fans. "What happened in this tournament, I think it is very disappointing," Agha said. "If you look at it, they feel that by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting us but in fact they are disrespecting cricket. And anyone who disrespects cricket, I think it comes back and I am very sure that it will happen. "What they have done today, I think a good team doesn't do this. Good teams do what we have done; we went alone and posed with the trophy and even after the loss, we stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use very harsh words but to be very honest, this is very disrespectful to the game, not anyone else." Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI to raise strong objection at ICC meeting over trophy dispute with Mohsin Naqvi Meanwhile, Salman defended his team's decision to cancel several press conferences, saying it was directly in reply to India's conduct. "Yes, there was no pre-match press conference at times but those things that happened after whatever happened on the ground. We were not the ones to start. And, to be honest, it is not about who is doing it, whatever is happening is bad for the game of cricket." The Pakistan captain also expressed concern that such actions might unintentionally set a bad example for the next generation of fans. “Say I am not the captain of Pakistan, even just as a cricket fan, I will not second what's happening because it is wrong. To a kid sitting at home, whether he/she is from Pakistan or India, what message are we sending? We are not giving a good message because people think of us as role models, so if we start behaving like this as role models then we are not inspiring anyone. And if we are inspiring, then we are inspiring them about the wrong things. I am saying this again, whatever happened was wrong and it should not have happened. So those who did it should be questioned."

Men in Blue defended the Asia Cup title after they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Tilak Varma was the star player for the team, hitting an unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries

Asia Cup Final 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped press conferences but says India 'disrespecting cricket'

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha never saw two cricket teams not shaking hands after a game during his nearly two-decade professional career. Ahead of the marquee Asia Cup final against their arch-rivals India on Sunday (Sep 28) in Dubai, Agha broke his silence on the ‘handshake saga’ that made headlines earlier in the Asia Cup 2025. Considering sour geo-political relations between the two arch-rivals, Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian Team decided against shaking hands with Pakistani players after the side’s first face-off since the Pahalgam terror attack, irking the Men in Green.&nbsp;In the pre-game presser in Dubai, the venue for the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final, Agha recalls not witnessing such a thing (no handshakes) happen on the cricket field, even when relations between India and Pakistan were at their worst. Addressing this issue, he said that no handshakes are not good for cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-pak-patriotism-rage-all-in-mud-as-leading-multiplex-chain-pvr-inox-to-screen-asia-cup-final-1758984965064">IND vs PAK: Patriotism, rage in mud as leading multiplex chain to screen Asia Cup Final</a> &nbsp;“As far as handshakes are concerned, I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007 at the under-16 level. I’ve never seen two teams not shaking hands during a match. Even my father is a big cricket fan, and I’ve heard stories about the game from him. He never mentioned that two teams playing cricket didn’t shake hands. &nbsp;"India and Pakistan have faced each other before, even when relations between the countries were worse, and handshakes always happened. According to me, no handshakes are not good for cricket,” he said. &nbsp;Not only during the group game, which India won by seven wickets, but also after the India-Pakistan Super Four match, the Indian Team walked off the field without shaking hands with their counterparts. Although the handshake saga will continue to hog all the limelight, Agha remains adamant that his team’s focus is just on cricket. &nbsp;“We don’t focus on what we can’t control. Media talk, outside noise—we ignore it. Our goal is the Asia Cup. We came here to play good cricket, and tomorrow we’ll aim to win the final,” he added.&nbsp; &nbsp;Speaking on his team’s chances against India, against whom they haven’t won a single game in this tournament yet, Agha expressed confidence in his team’s chances. &nbsp;“Inshallah, you’ll see us winning. If we play our best cricket and execute for 40 overs, we can beat any team,” he said.

In the pre-game presser in Dubai, the venue for the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final, Agha recalls not witnessing such a thing (no handshakes) happen on the cricket field, even when relations between India and Pakistan were at their worst.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha never saw two cricket teams not shaking hands after a game during his nearly two-decade professional career. Ahead of the marquee Asia Cup final against their arch-rivals India on Sunday (Sep 28) in Dubai, Agha broke his silence on the ‘handshake saga’ that made headlines earlier in the Asia Cup 2025. Considering sour geo-political relations between the two arch-rivals, Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian Team decided against shaking hands with Pakistani players after the side’s first face-off since the Pahalgam terror attack, irking the Men in Green. In the pre-game presser in Dubai, the venue for the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final, Agha recalls not witnessing such a thing (no handshakes) happen on the cricket field, even when relations between India and Pakistan were at their worst. Addressing this issue, he said that no handshakes are not good for cricket. Also read | IND vs PAK: Patriotism, rage in mud as leading multiplex chain to screen Asia Cup Final “As far as handshakes are concerned, I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007 at the under-16 level. I’ve never seen two teams not shaking hands during a match. Even my father is a big cricket fan, and I’ve heard stories about the game from him. He never mentioned that two teams playing cricket didn’t shake hands. "India and Pakistan have faced each other before, even when relations between the countries were worse, and handshakes always happened. According to me, no handshakes are not good for cricket,” he said. Not only during the group game, which India won by seven wickets, but also after the India-Pakistan Super Four match, the Indian Team walked off the field without shaking hands with their counterparts. Although the handshake saga will continue to hog all the limelight, Agha remains adamant that his team’s focus is just on cricket. “We don’t focus on what we can’t control. Media talk, outside noise—we ignore it. Our goal is the Asia Cup. We came here to play good cricket, and tomorrow we’ll aim to win the final,” he added. Speaking on his team’s chances against India, against whom they haven’t won a single game in this tournament yet, Agha expressed confidence in his team’s chances. “Inshallah, you’ll see us winning. If we play our best cricket and execute for 40 overs, we can beat any team,” he said.

In the pre-game presser in Dubai, the venue for the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final, Agha recalls not witnessing such a thing (no handshakes) happen on the cricket field, even when relations between India and Pakistan were at their worst.

‘Even when relations were worse…,’ Salman Agha breaks silence on ‘handshake saga’ ahead of Asia Cup Final

Pakistan were handed their second loss in the Asia Cup 2025 by India - this time a six-wicket drubbing in Super Four stage on Sunday (Sep 21) and skipper Salman Agha has questioned umpiring decision to give Fakhar Zaman out. Pakistan were asked to bat first and Fakhar was promoted up the order along with Sahibzada Farhan. Fakhar had already hit three fours in the first eight balls to race to 15 runs before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya. The decision of caught behind was referred to the third umpire who saw multiple replays before giving the batter out who was not pleased at all.<h2>Pak skipper cries wrong umpiring</h2>Salman Agha, speaking at the post-match presentation, said: "It (ball) did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper. Umpires can make mistakes. But it did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper to me. I might be wrong. The way [Fakhar] was batting, if he had batted through the powerplay, we would probably have scored 190. But those are calls for umpires to make. To me, it looked like it bounced before the keeper. I might be mistaken, but so might be the umpire."Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-pakistan-pacer-haris-rauf-mocks-indian-fans-with-ugly-war-gesture-sparks-controversy-watch-video-1758487761987">Haris Rauf mocks Indian fans with ‘ugly war gesture’; sparks controversy</a><h2>How was Fakhar dismissed</h2>Hardik Pandya had bowled a slower ball with not much room which Fakhar tried to guide to third man area but instead got an edge. India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson had to come forward to catch the dying ball and claimed it safely before appealing. The on-field umpire referred the decision to the TV umpire who saw multiple replays before judging that the ball had landed in the keeper's gloves and not on the ground.The on-ground display showed out and Fakhar was left dumbfounded for a decision which seemed very straightforward. The wicket, however, did not disrupt the flow of innings for Pakistan as they raced to 91/1 in 10 overs before losing the plot and the match thereon by six wickets.

The on-field umpire referred the decision to the TV umpire who saw multiple replays before judging that the ball had landed in the keeper's gloves and not on the ground.

Pakistan were handed their second loss in the Asia Cup 2025 by India - this time a six-wicket drubbing in Super Four stage on Sunday (Sep 21) and skipper Salman Agha has questioned umpiring decision to give Fakhar Zaman out. Pakistan were asked to bat first and Fakhar was promoted up the order along with Sahibzada Farhan. Fakhar had already hit three fours in the first eight balls to race to 15 runs before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya. The decision of caught behind was referred to the third umpire who saw multiple replays before giving the batter out who was not pleased at all. Pak skipper cries wrong umpiring Salman Agha, speaking at the post-match presentation, said: "It (ball) did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper. Umpires can make mistakes. But it did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper to me. I might be wrong. The way [Fakhar] was batting, if he had batted through the powerplay, we would probably have scored 190. But those are calls for umpires to make. To me, it looked like it bounced before the keeper. I might be mistaken, but so might be the umpire." Also Watch - Haris Rauf mocks Indian fans with ‘ugly war gesture’; sparks controversy How was Fakhar dismissed Hardik Pandya had bowled a slower ball with not much room which Fakhar tried to guide to third man area but instead got an edge. India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson had to come forward to catch the dying ball and claimed it safely before appealing. The on-field umpire referred the decision to the TV umpire who saw multiple replays before judging that the ball had landed in the keeper's gloves and not on the ground. The on-ground display showed out and Fakhar was left dumbfounded for a decision which seemed very straightforward. The wicket, however, did not disrupt the flow of innings for Pakistan as they raced to 91/1 in 10 overs before losing the plot and the match thereon by six wickets.

The on-field umpire referred the decision to the TV umpire who saw multiple replays before judging that the ball had landed in the keeper's gloves and not on the ground.

Asia cup 2025: Pak skipper Agha cries wrong umpiring, says ball 'bounced ahead of the keeper' in Fakhar dismissal

In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan cricket team will start their tournament campaign against Oman on Friday (September 11). Ahead of their first game and before the big clash against India, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha gave an injury scare. The 31-year old skipped Wednesday’s practice session in Dubai.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to reports, Salman was spotted with a bandage on his neck after suffering from a neck spasm (an involuntary tightening of neck muscles that causes pain, stiffness, and restricted movement). Though he traveled with the team, but he avoided the training and football drills and his restricted movement worried the other players of Pakistan team and management. The Pakistan cricket team will face India in a high voltage match in Dubai on Sunday (September 14).&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called the injury a minor issue with captain Salman Agha is still available for Sunday's game against India. They explained that Salman was rested only as a precaution and should be back in training soon. The management is hopeful he will fully recover before the India game. Salman himself has expressed confidence about performing well in the Asia Cup 2025.&nbsp;On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav’s side got off to a flying start by thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in the second match of Asia Cup 2025. The match ended quickly, with India chasing down 58 runs in just 4.3 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;Salman’s men will now look to deliver a strong performance against Oman in their opening game.Speaking before the match, Salman said, "I think we are playing good cricket, we started that a few months ago. Things are coming together, as a team we are playing good cricket and looking forward to this tournament, and everyone is very excited,"&nbsp;It will be interesting to watch whether he will play or not against India on September 14.<h2>Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2025</h2>Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem

The Pakistan cricket team will face India in a high voltage match in Dubai on Sunday (September 14).

In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan cricket team will start their tournament campaign against Oman on Friday (September 11). Ahead of their first game and before the big clash against India, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha gave an injury scare. The 31-year old skipped Wednesday’s practice session in Dubai. According to reports, Salman was spotted with a bandage on his neck after suffering from a neck spasm (an involuntary tightening of neck muscles that causes pain, stiffness, and restricted movement). Though he traveled with the team, but he avoided the training and football drills and his restricted movement worried the other players of Pakistan team and management. The Pakistan cricket team will face India in a high voltage match in Dubai on Sunday (September 14). ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called the injury a minor issue with captain Salman Agha is still available for Sunday's game against India. They explained that Salman was rested only as a precaution and should be back in training soon. The management is hopeful he will fully recover before the India game. Salman himself has expressed confidence about performing well in the Asia Cup 2025. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav’s side got off to a flying start by thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in the second match of Asia Cup 2025. The match ended quickly, with India chasing down 58 runs in just 4.3 overs. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Salman’s men will now look to deliver a strong performance against Oman in their opening game. Speaking before the match, Salman said, "I think we are playing good cricket, we started that a few months ago. Things are coming together, as a team we are playing good cricket and looking forward to this tournament, and everyone is very excited," It will be interesting to watch whether he will play or not against India on September 14. Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2025 Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem

The Pakistan cricket team will face team India in a high voltage match in Dubai on Sunday (September 14).

Asia Cup 2025: Big blow to Pakistan, captain Salman Ali Agha gets injured before IND vs PAK clash

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Asia Cup 2025: Big blow to Pakistan, captain Salman Ali Agha gets injured before IND vs PAK clash