Why is Salman Ali Agha considered a modern T20 hero compared to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan?

[Raja Ishtiaq]

Why is he no longer bowling?

We need a extra fast bowler in the team in the place of a spinner.

Agha needs to be the replacement spinner

 

[Mamoon]

I don’t know if people remember him or not, but a decade or so ago, Pakistan had a replica of Agha called Saad Nasim, who also hailed from Lahore.

But back then, Pakistan didn’t feel the name to make him their waqti Abu because they had the likes of Misbah, Afridi, Hafeez and Malik in the team.

Agha is a player of the same level. A journeyman cricket who will play a few years of international cricket at best and few years later, no one will remember his name.

The fact that PCB took a completely ordinary player like him and decided to make him captain just because they have an axe to grind against Babar and Rizwan is completely absurd.

He has done absolutely nothing in his career to deserve Pakistan captaincy, and he currently finds himself in a situation that he isn’t capable of handling.

 

[IronShield]

Why is he no longer bowling?

We need a extra fast bowler in the team in the place of a spinner.

Agha needs to be the replacement spinner

Afraid of getting tonked maybe?

 

[jnaveen1980]

Shan Masood was picked as captain for English speaking skills. I suppose Agha for chewing gum skills?

 

[Mamoon]

Shan Masood was picked as captain for English speaking skills. I suppose Agha for chewing gum skills?

I think his hiding skills are better than his chewing skills. He hid better than Osama today. Vanished without a trace after Pakistan lost the match.

 

[hks222]

I don’t know if people remember him or not, but a decade or so ago, Pakistan had a replica of Agha called Saad Nasim, who also hailed from Lahore.

But back then, Pakistan didn’t feel the name to make him their waqti Abu because they had the likes of Misbah, Afridi, Hafeez and Malik in the team.

Agha is a player of the same level. A journeyman cricket who will play a few years of international cricket at best and few years later, no one will remember his name.

The fact that PCB took a completely ordinary player like him and decided to make him captain just because they have an axe to grind against Babar and Rizwan is completely absurd.

He has done absolutely nothing in his career to deserve Pakistan captaincy, and he currently finds himself in a situation that he isn’t capable of handling.

He is anything but a T20i player.

 

[ads101]

Agha doesn’t know where he should bat. It’s a strange problem. Even Rizwan and Babar they might be slower but they know that they prefer to bat opener (and Babar can bat no.3 too). Agha doesn’t want to bat too low as he can’t hit as well as others. Can’t play to far up the order as isn’t as good at pace. It also depends on match situation, if we’re off to a good start, it’ll often be better to send others in. If we get off to a bad start, he might be too early in (I saw them in the past send Haris instead of that game as a result). Basically he requires so many factors to suit his game. Even worse now Hasan is batting too low at 6 because of this. I wonder even Salman has a preference of a position he should bat or knows where his best position is.

I think he should step up and bat at no.3. Lead from the front as captain.Even if he may not suit the position due to his preference for spin, his style of game suits there rather than down the order. If you want to play the stabiliser role which he clearly does, you have to do it up the order.

 

[mazkhan]

I've come to the conclusion our cricket is finished and we are associate level and only good enough to compete with uae , afghanistan etc level I even think afghanistan probably have better players in certain areas

The moment you put them against any top team the opposition look a class apart .

 

[mazkhan]

As for agha can't play pace he looked totally clueless against indian spinners today .

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Modern day captain salman ali agha 24 innings 489 runs and 116.15 strike rate

Vs

Babar azam 121 innings 4223 runs 129.22 strike rate

Humain tu modern captain b form 47 wala mila ha lol

 

[Caved12]

The whole “Agha is a modern T20 hero” narrative was just online hype pushed by people who disliked Babar and Rizwan. Otherwise, how can anyone glorify a player who has been a proven failure in this format? That said, I still support Salman. I believe he can improve as a player if Babar and Rizwan are around, because while he isn’t ideal for T20s by international standards, he’s still better than most of the other options we have, players with poor techniques who are nothing more than sloggers.

The real problem is that the PCB’s politics disrupted his progress. Instead of letting him gradually develop, they burdened him with too much too soon. Making him captain at a time when he hadn’t earned it only added unnecessary pressure. Leading a young side in the Asia Cup not only exposed him but also distracted him from working on his own game. Earlier, I noticed real improvement in his batting and even signs of him growing into a handy part time bowler, but all of that has stalled. Right now, he’s juggling far too many responsibilities instead of focusing on becoming a better cricketer.

 

[ads101]

The whole “Agha is a modern T20 hero” narrative was just online hype pushed by people who disliked Babar and Rizwan. Otherwise, how can anyone glorify a player who has been a proven failure in this format? That said, I still support Salman. I believe he can improve as a player if Babar and Rizwan are around, because while he isn’t ideal for T20s by international standards, he’s still better than most of the other options we have, players with poor techniques who are nothing more than sloggers.

The real problem is that the PCB’s politics disrupted his progress. Instead of letting him gradually develop, they burdened him with too much too soon. Making him captain at a time when he hadn’t earned it only added unnecessary pressure. Leading a young side in the Asia Cup not only exposed him but also distracted him from working on his own game. Earlier, I noticed real improvement in his batting and even signs of him growing into a handy part time bowler, but all of that has stalled. Right now, he’s juggling far too many responsibilities instead of focusing on becoming a better cricketer.

Ironically happened to other players too. Captaincy is a curse. Babar given captaincy, and what you saw for the years he got it was he was trying to learn the role on the job. I think he could have developed more as a batsman without it. Then re given it when he should have been focusing on rediscovering his form. Think he’s just mentally shot now, which has been awful for us, he was by a mile our best batsman across all formats. It’s not good for Pakistani cricket, I don’t know how some posters celebrate his drop in form, we don’t have a huge well of batsmen to replace someone like that.

Sarfraz stopped working hard on his fitness and overall game since given captaincy. I don’t know why that happened and was clearly someone suited for captaincy. People forget just how good he was before he got captaincy.

Not international cricket, but Shadab and Shaheen have clearly been less focused on their stronger suit and more on their weaker suit since PSL captaincy. And have both declined as players.

Even Rizwan who I kind of wanted him to take over captaincy earlier as he’s an already seasoned captain in domestic has lost form since taking captaincy.

Sometimes I think captaincy is just a curse. Perhaps the best idea is to give it to someone older who has nothing left to develop in his game. Or someone more disposable, who’s loss of form doesn’t devastate the team (like Babar). I also just think we need to take the responsibility off the captain and place it more on the coach. Captain is just there to lead the team on the field. I think Pakistani captains take on too much burden, if we lose they are blamed for team strategy, Picking the team, batting positions, bowling strategy etc. Just trying to juggle too many things at once and in turn also creates friction in the team.

 

[Caved12]

Ironically happened to other players too. Captaincy is a curse. Babar given captaincy, and what you saw for the years he got it was he was trying to learn the role on the job. I think he could have developed more as a batsman without it. Then re given it when he should have been focusing on rediscovering his form. Think he’s just mentally shot now, which has been awful for us, he was by a mile our best batsman across all formats. It’s not good for Pakistani cricket, I don’t know how some posters celebrate his drop in form, we don’t have a huge well of batsmen to replace someone like that.

Sarfraz stopped working hard on his fitness and overall game since given captaincy. I don’t know why that happened and was clearly someone suited for captaincy. People forget just how good he was before he got captaincy.

Not international cricket, but Shadab and Shaheen have clearly been less focused on their stronger suit and more on their weaker suit since PSL captaincy. And have both declined as players.

Even Rizwan who I kind of wanted him to take over captaincy earlier as he’s an already seasoned captain in domestic has lost form since taking captaincy.

Sometimes I think captaincy is just a curse. Perhaps the best idea is to give it to someone older who has nothing left to develop in his game. Or someone more disposable, who’s loss of form doesn’t devastate the team (like Babar). I also just think we need to take the responsibility off the captain and place it more on the coach. Captain is just there to lead the team on the field. I think Pakistani captains take on too much burden, if we lose they are blamed for team strategy, Picking the team, batting positions, bowling strategy etc. Just trying to juggle too many things at once and in turn also creates friction in the team.

You made some very good points today, not just in this post but in others as well. Finding a good leader is never easy, even in countries where players are well educated and backed by strong, professional boards. In our case, the problems are bigger. Once players become captain, their game often goes backwards. The main reasons are politics, backbiting from teammates, lack of education, and no real role models to learn from.

It is a sad situation. Babar was always weak tactically as captain. In the early years he still did well with the bat, but later he struggled because of politics and losing the dressing room. There is also far too much outside noise and pressure. Once the honeymoon period is over, both the captain’s leadership and his personal performance begin to suffer. Rizwan should have done better because he is tactically sharp, but I have to admit he has also been a disappointment, and his batting has declined as well.

About whether the coach should have more power than the captain, I don’t think cricket works like that. The captain has to be the main authority on and off the field, otherwise the setup falls apart. But you are right, a respected coach can still play a big role in handling egos, giving stability, and keeping the team united. Bob Woolmer was the best example, he absorbed the outside nonsense and protected the players, so the captain and players could just focus on cricket.

 

[SportsWarrior]

I am sorry, this guy is cr**. I don’t think he will walk into any decent t20 team, even in second grade leagues. He has absolutely no performance to back up. He has shown no skills or ability to be in the team let alone captain it. He has the charisma of a doormat. Bit Babar and Rizwan, who themselves are nothing great in this format, absolutely deserve a spot about this guy on merit. Infact Babar and Rizwan can walk into this oak team in place of atleast four other players, Farhan, Salman, Fakar and in current form Saim

 

[jnaveen1980]

I am sorry, this guy is cr**. I don’t think he will walk into any decent t20 team, even in second grade leagues. He has absolutely no performance to back up. He has shown no skills or ability to be in the team let alone captain it. He has the charisma of a doormat. Bit Babar and Rizwan, who themselves are nothing great in this format, absolutely deserve a spot about this guy on merit. Infact Babar and Rizwan can walk into this oak team in place of atleast four other players, Farhan, Salman, Fakar and in current form Saim

I think they are loving his "sacrifice" by promoting himself down the order when needed in order to be less useless. But turns out for the year 2025 he faces the 3rd highest number of balls per innings . on an average he scores 22(19) in each innings.

 

[Asif321]

That was terrible decision to bat first you been playing whole life in UAE you should know how things pan out . You weren’t playing Oman

 

[Hyder]

I don’t know if people remember him or not, but a decade or so ago, Pakistan had a replica of Agha called Saad Nasim, who also hailed from Lahore.

But back then, Pakistan didn’t feel the name to make him their waqti Abu because they had the likes of Misbah, Afridi, Hafeez and Malik in the team.

Agha is a player of the same level. A journeyman cricket who will play a few years of international cricket at best and few years later, no one will remember his name.

The fact that PCB took a completely ordinary player like him and decided to make him captain just because they have an axe to grind against Babar and Rizwan is completely absurd.

He has done absolutely nothing in his career to deserve Pakistan captaincy, and he currently finds himself in a situation that he isn’t capable of handling.

He had better bowling than agha

 

[Hyder]

Agha sucked the life out of the whole inning

 

[ads101]

I think they are loving his "sacrifice" by promoting himself down the order when needed in order to be less useless. But turns out for the year 2025 he faces the 3rd highest number of balls per innings . on an average he scores 22(19) in each innings.

Captains should not be selfless. If a captain is just a passenger in the team it makes him less respected and wastes a spot. I always thought Sarfraz made a mistake, he should have put himself at 4 to bat where he could have performed. The team would have been better for it (providing he kept his fitness and work on his batting up). And even then Sarfraz always had keeping as an asset to fall back on. Salman doesn’t even have that.

Captain should lead from the front.

The issue with Agha is he’s not performing well enough to prove his place as a player and hasn’t cemented a spot. He needs to do these things sharpish and he’s running out of time. He’s not even bowling now so there’s not a single facet of his game where we rely on him.

Because of the inflexibility of his game, better against spin and not being able to hit as well, that leaves pretty much 3 and 4. 5 is too low to stabilise the innings. I’d prefer him at 3 for the team but if the only way he performs is at 4 then fine take 4 but make sure you excel at it. Maybe hasan bats 3 then who is batting far too low right now.

 

[SportsWarrior]

I think they are loving his "sacrifice" by promoting himself down the order when needed in order to be less useless. But turns out for the year 2025 he faces the 3rd highest number of balls per innings . on an average he scores 22(19) in each innings.

Yeah, and that is in a team where none of thr top six even averag 30. Their top six has not a single player who is having decent record. Here are the career avarage and strike rates of top six and their typical score based on average and strike rate

Saim - 21@136 - 21(15)
Farhan - 20 @123 - 20(16)
Harris - 17.6 @138 - 18(13)
Fakhar 23.5 @132 - 24(18)
Salman - 24.6 @114 - 25(22)
Hasan - 23.5 @160 - 24(15)
Nawaz - 17.75@133 - 18(14)

So they will be something like 150/155 by end of their 20 overs. This not enough in modern day cricket at all. And salman is worst among already some very average players. I am sure pak can better players than him or just bring back Babar and Rizwan. They will atleast win occasional matches and offer some resistance.

 

[Caved12]

Captains should not be selfless. If a captain is just a passenger in the team it makes him less respected and wastes a spot. I always thought Sarfraz made a mistake, he should have put himself at 4 to bat where he could have performed. The team would have been better for it (providing he kept his fitness and work on his batting up). And even then Sarfraz always had keeping as an asset to fall back on. Salman doesn’t even have that.

Captain should lead from the front.

The issue with Agha is he’s not performing well enough to prove his place as a player and hasn’t cemented a spot. He needs to do these things sharpish and he’s running out of time. He’s not even bowling now so there’s not a single facet of his game where we rely on him.

Because of the inflexibility of his game, better against spin and not being able to hit as well, that leaves pretty much 3 and 4. 5 is too low to stabilise the innings. I’d prefer him at 3 for the team but if the only way he performs is at 4 then fine take 4 but make sure you excel at it. Maybe hasan bats 3 then who is batting far too low right now.

Absolutely, that's how it plays out at every level of cricket. Whether it's management, players, or selectors, everyone has their own ideas about batting positions and what role the captain should play. The captain is often asked to sacrifice for the team, but that can be a trap. When you’re asked to change your position or adjust your game for the team’s sake, it’s easy to get overlooked when you start struggling, and no one considers that the sacrifice you made could be affecting your own performance. In the beginning, everyone praises the captain for being selfless and putting the team’s needs ahead of personal glory. But when the team starts losing and the captain starts holding players accountable, asking them to perform their roles consistently, things change. Suddenly, those same players turn on the captain, demanding that he should lead from the front, perform better himself, and show more consistency before expecting the same from others. It’s almost predictable how this cycle repeats itself at every level of cricket.

Salman should be extra careful because the PCB is notorious for quickly promoting someone to the captaincy, even when they might not be ready for it. They put players on a pedestal, and once they’ve done so, they’re just as quick to strip them of the captaincy and push them out of the team entirely if things go wrong. Pakistan cricket is a bit of a joke in that sense. Salman could easily end up in the same position as other past captains, who not only lost their leadership roles but were discarded as players too. The reality is, captains should never be selfless. They need to lead from the front and set the example with their own performance. Only then will the players respect them and follow their lead.

 

[mazkhan]

Any stats as a player before being made captain ?

And stats as a captain ?

It looks like a definite performance dip with both bat and ball.

 

[BouncerGuy]

LOL at the hero...

Strike Rate in T20I Cricket

121 - Younis Khan
121 - Shan Masood
113 - SALMAN AGHA

 

[Mamoon]

LOL at the hero...

Strike Rate in T20I Cricket

121 - Younis Khan
121 - Shan Masood
113 - SALMAN AGHA

But but but he doesn’t act like a T20 hero so it’s not a problem

 

[Mamoon]

But but but the team is united under him. They made a united decision to humiliate themselves vs India.

 

[mominsaigol]

But but but he doesn’t act like a T20 hero so it’s not a problem

But but but the team is united under him. They made a united decision to humiliate themselves vs India.

Bro do you just get a kick out of attacking the Pakistani side for no reason?

 

[Mamoon]

Agha is a bang average player and a bang average leader. He has no guts and no personality.

He should have never been made captain in the first place but now that you have made the comical blunder, there is no point in dragging it out when you already know the end result.

He did nothing in the first place to become captain, and he has done nothing to keep the job either. The whole new template and new style of batting has proved to be hogwash.

Pakistan has not adopted a new template. The batting methodology has not changed an inch. They have just chucked out Babar and Rizwan and replaced them with inferior players.

It is time to make Shaheen the captain. No one has more credentials for T20 captaincy than he has in Pakistan cricket at the moment. Yes his bowling isn’t where it should be, but you don’t have any other options for captaincy right now.

 

[Mamoon]

Bro do you just get a kick out of attacking the Pakistani side for no reason?

I am getting a kick out of attacking the 0 IQ clowns and they know who they are. I had warned them that this will happen but they didn’t want to listen.

 

[mominsaigol]

I am getting a kick out of attacking the 0 IQ clowns and they know who they are. I had warned them that this will happen but they didn’t want to listen.

But everyone already knew that Pakistan would lose to India? It wasn't a surprise?

It wasn't about beating India, it was about atleast rebuilding to the point that Pakistan doesn't outright lose to teams like USA, Ireland, Zimbabwe etc etc?

Under ba/Riz we lost a series, a super over and a world cup match to Zimbabwe?

Under agha the only minnow we have lost to is Bangladesh in their home den, but in said den legendary batters like Joe root and Steve smith have struggled that too in their favourite Test format?

 

[Mamoon]

But everyone already knew that Pakistan would lose to India? It wasn't a surprise?

It wasn't about beating India, it was about atleast rebuilding to the point that Pakistan doesn't outright lose to teams like USA, Ireland, Zimbabwe etc etc?

Under ba/Riz we lost a series, a super over and a world cup match to Zimbabwe?

Under agha the only minnow we have lost to is Bangladesh in their home den, but in said den legendary batters like Joe root and Steve smith have struggled that too in their favourite Test format?

As I said in the other thread, it is not about winning or losing. It is about the complete lack of intent that we saw vs India and also vs Oman.

The apologists know that they cannot justify scoring 160 and 127 vs Oman and India respectively in 20 overs after all the noise that they made over the new intent and brand of cricket that this team is going to play.

It is very clear that all of that is just hogwash. It is easy to talk about it in pressers but it is a different ball game when it comes to doing it on the pitch vs quality opposition.

What was the point of dropping Babar for slow batting when his replacement is scoring 29 (29) and 44 (47)?

Now they have found a new narrative that oh well, they haven’t lost to a minnow yet, but they will die on this hill too. It is only a matter of time before this rubbish lot loses to minnows too.

Babar and Rizwan are better than all of the players playing for Pakistan right now. If Pakistan could lose to minnows with those two, what makes you think they won’t with inferior players like Farhan, Haris, Agha?

The Agha-Hesson new brand of cricket drama is officially over. They have been badly exposed and they have nowhere to hide now.

It is obvious that Babar and Rizwan will return to the T20I squad very soon because Pakistan is not better without them and our batting has not improved an inch. We are playing the same brand of cricket with inferior players.

All the people who thought that their T20I careers have been ended by Farhan and Haris will have to eat their words. These two are nowhere near them.

 

[mominsaigol]

As I said in the other thread, it is not about winning or losing. It is about the complete lack of intent that we saw vs India and also vs Oman.

The apologists know that they cannot justify scoring 160 and 127 vs Oman and India respectively in 20 overs after all the noise that they made over the new intent and brand of cricket that this team is going to play.

It is very clear that all of that is just hogwash. It is easy to talk about it in pressers but it is a different ball game when it comes to doing it on the pitch vs quality opposition.

What was the point of dropping Babar for slow batting when his replacement is scoring 29 (29) and 44 (47)?

Now they have found a new narrative that oh well, they haven’t lost to a minnow yet, but they will die on this hill too. It is only a matter of time before this rubbish lot loses to minnows too.

Babar and Rizwan are better than all of the players playing for Pakistan right now. If Pakistan could lose to minnows with those two, what makes you think they won’t with inferior players like Farhan, Haris, Agha?

The Agha-Hesson new brand of cricket drama is officially over. They have been badly exposed and they have nowhere to hide now.

It is obvious that Babar and Rizwan will return to the T20I squad very soon because Pakistan is not better without them and our batting has not improved an inch. We are playing the same brand of cricket with inferior players.

All the people who thought that their T20I careers have been ended by Farhan and Haris will have to eat their words. These two are nowhere near them.

Because UAE is not =/= a Dallas road pitch. The outfield is extremely slow and even India slowed down to chase 127.

Yes they played quicker then us but someone like sky scored 47 of 37 with a sr of 127, tilak varma 31 of 31 at a sr of 100 and that while facing a much weaker bowling attack of Pakistan while our team was facing a world class bowling lineup.

Abhi was the only exception and kudos to him for that. It was a world class beat down and even @Rana agrees he was a class apart.

But the rest weren't.

Uae and Dallas are worlds apart from one another. Scoring 44 of 43 in dallas is a pathetic innings compared to 30 of 30 in UAE where even varma and Sky are going at 100 to 127 SR

 

[jnaveen1980]

Any stats as a player before being made captain ?

And stats as a captain ?

It looks like a definite performance dip with both bat and ball.

True . He has played 27 matches captained 25 matches. In the remaining 2 matches where he did not captain his strike rate is significantly high.

2 matches 4 runs 2.00 average 133.33 strike rate.

 

[Mamoon]

Because UAE is not =/= a Dallas road pitch. The outfield is extremely slow and even India slowed down to chase 127.

Yes they played quicker then us but someone like sky scored 47 of 37 with a sr of 127, tilak varma 31 of 31 at a sr of 100 and that while facing a much weaker bowling attack of Pakistan while our team was facing a world class bowling lineup.

Abhi was the only exception and kudos to him for that. It was a world class beat down and even @Rana agrees he was a class apart.

But the rest weren't.

Uae and Dallas are worlds apart from one another. Scoring 44 of 43 in dallas is a pathetic innings compared to 30 of 30 in UAE where even varma and Sky are going at 100 to 127 SR

There is a difference between batting first and chasing. India would have scored 170+ if they were batting first.

No one would have any issues if Sahibzada bats at 95-100 while chasing a paltry total.

What happened in Dallas was awful, but that has nothing to do with what Pakistan is doing today after making tall claims about its so-called new intent and approach.

There was absolutely no point of dropping Babar and Rizwan if you are going to replicate th same strategy with inferior players.

Fact is that Hesson, Agha and the new lot have been badly exposed. They can talk a good game but can’t do it on the pitch vs quality teams because they haven’t got the skill and that is why this little drama is about to end, with Babar and Rizwan coming back.

Babar and Rizwan coming back will not make Pakistan a top team, but it will Pakistan stronger than it is right now because they make the team on merit. Any Pakistan XI today in any format is stronger with Babar and Rizwan than it is without them.

The fundamental concept in any sports is picking your best available team. Pakistan is not doing that today and they are learning it the hard way.

 

[Ball Blazer]

There is a difference between batting first and chasing. India would have scored 170+ if they were batting first.

No one would have any issues if Sahibzada bats at 95-100 while chasing a paltry total.

What happened in Dallas was awful, but that has nothing to do with what Pakistan is doing today after making tall claims about its so-called new intent and approach.

There was absolutely no point of dropping Babar and Rizwan if you are going to replicate th same strategy with inferior players.

Fact is that Hesson, Agha and the new lot have been badly exposed. They can talk a good game but can’t do it on the pitch vs quality teams because they haven’t got the skill and that is why this little drama is about to end, with Babar and Rizwan coming back.

Babar and Rizwan coming back will not make Pakistan a top team, but it will Pakistan stronger than it is right now because they make the team on merit. Any Pakistan XI today in any format is stronger with Babar and Rizwan than it is without them.

The fundamental concept in any sports is picking your best available team. Pakistan is not doing that today and they are learning it the hard way.

They thought the new team will follow modern cricket approach in t20 format unlike Babar and Rizwan. But laughs...

What was the point of excluding two senior players. At least they were posting 150+ on such pitches. Ab to yeh b nahi ho raha

 

[jnaveen1980]

LOL at the hero...

Strike Rate in T20I Cricket

121 - Younis Khan
121 - Shan Masood
113 - SALMAN AGHA

There is a difference between intent and ability. Having the former automatically means having the later. Some guys have ability may not have intent. That is fixable like Shai hope did.

 

[mominsaigol]

There is a difference between batting first and chasing. India would have scored 170+ if they were batting first.

No one would have any issues if Sahibzada bats at 95-100 while chasing a paltry total.

What happened in Dallas was awful, but that has nothing to do with what Pakistan is doing today after making tall claims about its so-called new intent and approach.

There was absolutely no point of dropping Babar and Rizwan if you are going to replicate th same strategy with inferior players.

Fact is that Hesson, Agha and the new lot have been badly exposed. They can talk a good game but can’t do it on the pitch vs quality teams because they haven’t got the skill and that is why this little drama is about to end, with Babar and Rizwan coming back.

Babar and Rizwan coming back will not make Pakistan a top team, but it will Pakistan stronger than it is right now because they make the team on merit. Any Pakistan XI today in any format is stronger with Babar and Rizwan than it is without them.

The fundamental concept in any sports is picking your best available team. Pakistan is not doing that today and they are learning it the hard way.

Why were Ba/Riz dropped?

 

[Mamoon]

They thought the new team will follow modern cricket approach in t20 format unlike Babar and Rizwan. But laughs...

What was the point of excluding two senior players. At least they were posting 150+ on such pitches. Ab to yeh b nahi ho raha

The real issue comes to down to the fact that Sahibzada and Haris don’t deserve to be in the team.

Even their hardcore supports know deep down that are clearly inferior to Babar and Rizwan, but they don’t have the courage to admit it.

Agha himself is a mediocre player who has been forced into a leadership role because of PCB’s agenda, but there is a justification for his inclusion in the team when you look at the other middle-order options in Pakistan right now.

However, giving preference to Sahibzada and Haris over Babar and Rizwan is a completely stupid thing to do and only PCB is capable of this stupidity.

There isn’t a single cricket board in the world who would pick these two over those two if given a choice.

Let’s be honest — Pakistan is a mediocre team even with Babar and Rizwan, but PCB has made it more even mediocre by replacing them with two inferior players.

The least PCB can do amidst the current talent crisis in Pakistan is to at least pick the best possible available team and they cannot even do that.

The incompetence is amazing an only Pakistani fans can be delusional enough to support it.

 

[Mamoon]

Why were Ba/Riz dropped?

You tell me, because I no longer understand that when you have replaced them with an opener who is striking at 95-100 and a brainless hack who can’t buy a run against decent bowling.

 

[mominsaigol]

You tell me, because I no longer understand that when you have replaced them with an opener who is striking at 95-100 and a brainless hack who can’t buy a run against decent bowling.

Well you're gonna have to ask PCB fam. They went from Ba/Riz fan boys to hating those 2 in t20.

 

[Mamoon]

Well you're gonna have to ask PCB fam. They went from Ba/Riz fan boys to hating those 2 in t20.

I am also asking the fans who supported the decision of replacing them with Sahibzada and Haris and firmly believed that Agha and Hesson will usher a new era of modern T20 cricket.

 

[mominsaigol]

I am also asking the fans who supported the decision of replacing them with Sahibzada and Haris and firmly believed that Agha and Hesson will usher a new era of modern T20 cricket.

How can fans answer when they never made the decision only requested it since 2022?

 

[GudduBadmash]

Well you're gonna have to ask PCB fam. They went from Ba/Riz fan boys to hating those 2 in t20.

The head of PCB probably dont do their actual job and sit on this forum and twitter reading your and rana opinions. You two are pretty convincing that Babar and Rizwan in particular are the two worst cricketers to ever play for Pakistan and that we were world beaters before they came along with openers like Imam Ul Haq and Keeper Batsman like Sarfaraz breaking records

 

[mominsaigol]

The head of PCB probably dont do their actual job and sit on this forum and twitter reading your and rana opinions. You two are pretty convincing that Babar and Rizwan in particular are the two worst cricketers to ever play for Pakistan and that we were world beaters before they came along with openers like Imam Ul Haq and Keeper Batsman like Sarfaraz breaking records

Oh ic, so the head of PCB has chosen to listen to me and @Rana But has chosen to ignore you? Gotcha ya.

I wonder why you weren't convincing enough. Try harder Bro.

 

[mominsaigol]

It’s Guddu Badmash

Naam main deh’shat hai bhai!

Zehn bhi thora sa kiska hoa hai Badmash ka.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Career best inning by Salman Agha against the mighty UAE.. surely he is one of the best T20 player available for Pakistan right now

 

[shehz]

Australia ended Fawad Alam’s ODI career when they thoroughly exposed his limited shot range. Salman Agha just played an innings that was no better, if not worse. Unfortunately, he isn’t going anywhere, and Pakistani fans will have to endure his average performances

Salman Agha struggled again against UAE bowling. He is leaving no doubt that he has limited range of shots. Even in PSL he was mediocre. When your captain is average and not setting an example for others to follow, whole team is affected. He can't always hide behind H.Nawaz, fakhar and Saim. He is getting exposed when your real match winners aren't producing.

 

[Savak]

This guy is an absolute joke, he clearly is out of his depth in the T-20 squad. He needs to be put out of his misery.

 

[Mamoon]

I love the lame excuses people are making for him. But but but he is not acting like a hero, but but but he is willing to innovate, but but but he is flexible, but but but he has aggressive mindset, but but but he is selfless and doesn’t open.

Absolute hogwash. The straw-clutching is comical. Just accept the fact that this modern cricket drama has ended in tears and it didn’t turn out to be way the delusional fans thought it would.

1 month and 14 days later, nothing has changed. He’s a nothing player and a nothing captain.

 

[Mamoon]

Agha is the temporary boss of delusional fans because they want to latch onto any alternative to Babar and Rizwan that can present itself at this point. Everyone else is either too young, inexperienced or too old.

The reality is that while Agha is a fine Test and ODI player, and probably serviceable in T20Is for the time being, he has been given more authority and limelight than he deserves or is capable of, and he himself knows this.

He is not leadership material. At best, he is a vice-captain kind of guy. PCB has bestowed him with more than he is capable of handling and you have to hope that this doesn’t break him.

He is the flavor of the month, but this flavor will not last long, and it might end his career prematurely.

@mominsaigol It has already started.

 

[khyberlion]

I don't want to see him again in t20s. Always maintained that he garbage.

 

[mominsaigol]

@mominsaigol It has already started.

This much i agree on with you. Fellow PP posters have started to bash him.

I won't as it would make me a hypocrite as I created the justice for agha thread 2 years ago.

But Hes having an awful asia cup so far as a batsman.

 

[ads101]

Done with him seen enough. Guy is over 30 should be experienced and is doing worse than anyone else and a snails pace on top. As well as hogging no.4 and 5 slot without performing.

He can’t play anymore as a captain. Getting a free ride. If we play him he has to be vulnerable to being dropped as a pure player.

I we don’t win the tournament give captaincy to Shaheen. I don’t mind fully backing the rest like Saim, Farhan, Hasan Nawaz etc. He is a player who seemingly naturally fits nowhere in a line up. He can’t play top order, he can’t hit.

 

[Caved12]

No doubt, he’s not batting well, but take him out of captaincy and give it to Shaheen. Whether we like him or not, he fully deserves it, he’s won 3 PSL titles and was wrongly removed because of politics by Naqvi and other clowns in the PCB. Bring Rizwan and Babar back, and this same Agha will start performing. He’ll score runs and be a decent middle order batter, not world changing, but with a strike rate of 125–130, he’ll be more than good enough for this team by our standards. Mark my words, this will happen!

 

[Mamoon]

No doubt, he’s not batting well, but take him out of captaincy and give it to Shaheen. Whether we like him or not, he fully deserves it, he’s won 3 PSL titles and was wrongly removed because of politics by Naqvi and other clowns in the PCB. Bring Rizwan and Babar back, and this same Agha will start performing. He’ll score runs and be a decent middle order batter, not world changing, but with a strike rate of 125–130, he’ll be more than good enough for this team by our standards. Mark my words, this will happen!

Shaheen has earned the right to captain Pakistan in this format. If you are not going to reward the 3x PSL winning captain, then you are simply devaluing your own league.

Agha did nothing to supersede Shaheen in the race for captaincy. It was not a merit-based decision.

 

[Rana]

Great captain

He’s doing so well in these times of tribulation! Leading a young side through to the super 4s

12 wins out of 16 under Hesson.

InshaAllah he will take Pakistan through to the final as well!

 

[Caved12]

Shaheen has earned the right to captain Pakistan in this format. If you are not going to reward the 3x PSL winning captain, then you are simply devaluing your own league.

Agha did nothing to supersede Shaheen in the race for captaincy. It was not a merit-based decision.

I was originally against giving Shaheen the captaincy when Babar was removed, but I have to admit, he has proven himself beyond doubt. After winning another PSL championship, he continues to give his absolute best in all three departments, and even as a fielder, he throws his body around for the team. In the last couple of games, he has done everything possible to rescue a batting lineup that otherwise collapses around 100. Shaheen is showing, through sheer effort and commitment, that removing him was a mistake and since that decision, the team has only declined to levels we’ve never seen before.

 

[Mamoon]

I was originally against giving Shaheen the captaincy when Babar was removed, but I have to admit, he has proven himself beyond doubt. After winning another PSL championship, he continues to give his absolute best in all three departments, and even as a fielder, he throws his body around for the team. In the last couple of games, he has done everything possible to rescue a batting lineup that otherwise collapses around 100. Shaheen is showing, through sheer effort and commitment, that removing him was a mistake and since that decision, the team has only declined to levels we’ve never seen before.

Shaheen in spite of being nowhere near his best is Pakistan’s most dangerous pacer by a mile, and one of the three best cricketers in Pakistan along with Babar and Rizwan. It’s the truth whether anyone likes it or not.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Agha seems to have lost alot of hair ever since got to UAE. That hairline is receding at a rapid pace

 

[Caved12]

Shaheen in spite of being nowhere near his best is Pakistan’s most dangerous pacer by a mile, and one of the three best cricketers in Pakistan along with Babar and Rizwan. It’s the truth whether anyone likes it or not.

No doubt about it. PCB even tried to remove him along with Babar and Rizwan from the T20 team, but even at less than his best, he’s still far better than anyone else in the camp. Naqvi needs to admit his mistake and strip Agha of the T20 captaincy, he deserves to lead.

 

[Caved12]

One thing we must all understand about the game of cricket is that it’s the ultimate leveler. No one gets ahead unless they've truly earned it. As a cricketer, I’ve learned this lesson every single game, season after season. Whether it’s earning your spot in the XI or being entrusted with the captaincy, nothing comes for free. And if it does, and you're not ready, the game will humble you, quickly and without mercy.

Take Shaheen, for instance. He was unfairly removed, but instead of sulking, he went back to work. He bowled better in the PSL, led his team to another title, and even contributed with the bat in the last two games, showing he’s capable of saving games in pressure situations. That’s how you respond, with performances.

On the flip side, Agha has struggled. He seems stuck, as if his game has stalled. If he doesn’t find form soon, he risks losing his place in this format and sometimes, that kind of form slump carries into other formats too. Still, I hope he turns it around and plays a big knock in the next game. I’m backing him fully. But again, cricket is a great leveler. It gives you exactly what you put in, nothing more, nothing less.

The same applies to the new players who've been given opportunities in place of established names like Rizwan and Babar. They have every chance to prove the critics wrong, to perform and make us all take notice, and praise them for what they bring to the table. That’s the beauty of this sport.

At the end of the day, it’s simple: work hard, earn your place, and gain the respect you deserve. In cricket, as in life, nothing beats merit.

 

[Inswing]

Agha is really going sarfraz way. But the thing with sarfraz was that he was a genius captain. Agha is none neither a decent captain nor a decent bat.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Shaheen has earned the right to captain Pakistan in this format. If you are not going to reward the 3x PSL winning captain, then you are simply devaluing your own league.

Agha did nothing to supersede Shaheen in the race for captaincy. It was not a merit-based decision.

Salman Agha May not be the right choice as a Modern T20 batter but Babar and Rizwan have done nothing to regain their spot. They have not changed their Game. Both Guys failed to impress in PSL 2025. Babar had lowest Strike rate in probably top 15 batters. Babar being hailed as best batsman came with set of expectations and he failed to meet those expectations. If PCB had agenda against him , He did not quash it with his performance. Do you remember CT game against NZ? Chasing 321 , Babar and Rizwan killed the chase by scoring 25 Runs in 10 overs. Babar’s Innings of 64 Runs from 90 Balls is one of the most selfish display i have seen on cricket field.

we lost Sydney T20 and Johannesburg T20 last year purely because of Rizwan’s Selfish Innings and both losses proved decisive in series loss

 

[moghul]

I hate Misbah for his tuk tuking and negative mind set, Agha is even worst than what Misbah ever was.

 

[Asif321]

Some weird captaincy but only credit I can give is he doesn’t give up even when Pakistan look like they will end up losing . TBH Babar lost such close games against lower ranked sides .

 

[jnaveen1980]

2025 stats balls per six.

Salman Agha in red zone in both categories

 

[BouncerGuy]

2025 stats balls per six.

Salman Agha in red zone in both categories

But But But he is the modern day hero..But but but.

Keep supporting dirt.. for those who do

 

[G0rmintAunty]

No doubt, he’s not batting well, but take him out of captaincy and give it to Shaheen. Whether we like him or not, he fully deserves it, he’s won 3 PSL titles and was wrongly removed because of politics by Naqvi and other clowns in the PCB. Bring Rizwan and Babar back, and this same Agha will start performing. He’ll score runs and be a decent middle order batter, not world changing, but with a strike rate of 125–130, he’ll be more than good enough for this team by our standards. Mark my words, this will happen!

Shaheen has to make the team on merit first. His bowling has been garbage especially bowling full, in the slot pies repeatedly in the PP which gives the opposition all the impetus. Even when he saw the other teams bowlers were getting some swing/seam back of a length he bowls that full crap. If he is that brainless in his bowling, then his captaincy won't be any different.
Also he didn't win the PSL (which is a low quality league to begin with) due to his captaincy but individual brilliances.

 

[Mamoon]

Salman Agha May not be the right choice as a Modern T20 batter but Babar and Rizwan have done nothing to regain their spot. They have not changed their Game. Both Guys failed to impress in PSL 2025. Babar had lowest Strike rate in probably top 15 batters. Babar being hailed as best batsman came with set of expectations and he failed to meet those expectations. If PCB had agenda against him , He did not quash it with his performance. Do you remember CT game against NZ? Chasing 321 , Babar and Rizwan killed the chase by scoring 25 Runs in 10 overs. Babar’s Innings of 64 Runs from 90 Balls is one of the most selfish display i have seen on cricket field.

we lost Sydney T20 and Johannesburg T20 last year purely because of Rizwan’s Selfish Innings and both losses proved decisive in series loss

Babar and Rizwan were in poor form but before you drop someone, you first need to ask yourself if you have replacements.

It is very clear that Farhan and Haris are incapable of replacing them. Even out of Babar and Rizwan are far better than them.

Whose else have you got?

 

[shah_1]

I've come to the conclusion our cricket is finished and we are associate level and only good enough to compete with uae , afghanistan etc level I even think afghanistan probably have better players in certain areas

The moment you put them against any top team the opposition look a class apart .

I've stopped watching Pakistan cricket. There is a realisation that PCT will never get better because the way Pakistan is. Our cricket is the reflection of our country. Corrupt and dysfunctional.

 

[big_gamer007]

The way Babar and Rizwan played in last few years, they definitely deserved to be dropped, if Pakistan had any hopes of competitions for tournament wins.

However, the replacements and style of cricket is worse than when they were in team.

Unless you drop them and do an England by filling your team with fearless hitters, no point dropping them if you wanna play same brand of tuk tuk cricket which those guys could play better than their replacements.

 

[deep82]

The only way Agha can retain his place is by winning the Asia Cup or atleast reach the final. Anything less than that, he"ll dropped for sure.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Babar and Rizwan were in poor form but before you drop someone, you first need to ask yourself if you have replacements.

It is very clear that Farhan and Haris are incapable of replacing them. Even out of Babar and Rizwan are far better than them.

Whose else have you got?

Being out of form is one thing , But not Showing the intent on field despite the need of team is unforgivable. this can happen in few games but this behaviour became consistent with both of Them. Babar has played 120 Plus matches.

we cant find a replacement unless we give chances

 

[jnaveen1980]

The only way Agha can retain his place is by winning the Asia Cup or atleast reach the final. Anything less than that, he"ll dropped for sure.

He will continue playing as a specialist captain. It is criminal to waste a critical batting spot in the middle order on someone who is incapable of playing this format. But pakistan has no choice but stick with him as they have already invested in him as a leader. By the time they realize it is a dead investment they will have wasted substantial amount of time.

 

[Mamoon]

Being out of form is one thing , But not Showing the intent on field despite the need of team is unforgivable. this can happen in few games but this behaviour became consistent with both of Them. Babar has played 120 Plus matches.

we cant find a replacement unless we give chances

Both show more intent than what Farhan and Agha have shown in this Asia Cup.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Both show more intent than what Farhan and Agha have shown in this Asia Cup.

Lets be Honest. Dubai and Sharjah Pitches are crap this year and we Should not give final Judgment so early

 

[Mamoon]

Lets be Honest. Dubai and Sharjah Pitches are crap this year and we Should not give final Judgment so early

No pitch is crap enough for the batsmen to bat the way they have. Let’s not make excuses for mediocre clowns like Farhan and Agha.

If the opposition batsmen and also Shaheen can bat at a great SR than it’s not a pitch issue, it’s a lack of skill and intent issue.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

No pitch is crap enough for the batsmen to bat the way they have. Let’s not make excuses for mediocre clowns like Farhan and Agha.

If the opposition batsmen and also Shaheen can bat at a great SR than it’s not a pitch issue, it’s a lack of skill and intent issue.

I would nt put our Batter’s test to the Standards of Indian batters. That would be too harsh Right now. Agha and Saim have been Crap. I will give benefit of doubt to Farhan

 

[Mamoon]

I would nt put our Batter’s test to the Standards of Indian batters. That would be too harsh Right now. Agha and Saim have been Crap. I will give benefit of doubt to Farhan

Forget Indian batters, Shaheen has put these guys to shame. He is striking the ball better than all these batsmen who are supposedly ushering a new era of modern T20 batting.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Forget Indian batters, Shaheen has put these guys to shame. He is striking the ball better than all these batsmen who are supposedly ushering a new era of modern T20 batting.

Shaheen was indeed our Savior Yesterday. Shaheen is tall and well built. He can use long handle. M Harris looks Malnourished. Power hitting needs fitness. Warner advised babar to put some meat on his arms

 

[BouncerGuy]

PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC...