Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha believes that the national squad will not see major changes before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. He feels the team will look very similar to the current lineup, as players have already been assigned clear roles in the 20-over format.

Agha explained that every member of the squad has been given a specific responsibility over the past months, and he expects them to continue fulfilling these roles as the tournament approaches. He expressed confidence in the current combination and hopes the team will carry forward the momentum built recently.

The Pakistan skipper also spoke about his larger ambitions as a leader and shared his dream of winning both upcoming white-ball World Cups. While he was all praise for the direction the team is taking, he did say that there is scope for improvement.

Salman Ali Agha Aims for Back-to-Back World Cup Glory

Agha said on the PCB podcast, "In my personal opinion, I don't see any major changes in the national T20 squad before the World Cup. I think the current combination we have will be the one we will have in the World Cup. Every player has been given a specific role in recent months, and with that, the team has moved forward." He added that Pakistan need to continue developing to reach the level expected by fans worldwide.

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He further shared his long-term vision: "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… The team is on the right track, but there is still room for improvement. We want Pakistan to reach the level where everyone hopes to see it." Pakistan have played several T20I series recently, and for the 2026 T20 World Cup, they are grouped with India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA, with all their matches scheduled in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, has entered a rare territory with their victory against Zimbabwe during the ongoing tri-series as he went past Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Yousuf, and MS Dhoni to claim the record for most international appearances in a single calendar year. The landmark was achieved during the contest at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

It was the 54th international game for Salman Agha in the year 2025. Dravid, the former Indian head coach and captain of the side, held the record since 1999 with 53 games, while Yousuf and Dhoni later matched the tally in 2000 and 2007, respectively, but weren’t able to breach the mark. Salman now stands at the top of the mountain among the modern greats.

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The milestone also reflects the amount of workload the right-handed batting all-rounder put in the last 330-odd days, having gone through 17 ODIs, 32 T20Is, and five Test matches, underscoring Pakistan’s stacked calendar. The 32-year-old also led the side to the final of the Asia Cup 2025 this year against India and ended as the runner-up.

Salman Ali Agha records most international games in 2025 to surpass several stars

Pakistan, during the clash against Zimbabwe, posted a massive score of 195 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs as their opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, notched up a memorable knock of 63 runs in 41 balls at a strike rate of 153.66 with the help of four boundaries and three sixes while Babar Azam also looked good for his stable knock of 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with seven fours and two sixes.

Fakhar Zaman came at number seven in the batting line-up and ended with 27 unbeaten runs in 10 balls, thanks to three sixes and one four as they posted a massive score on the board. Brad Evans had a tough day with 1/59 in four overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 126 runs in 19 overs as Ryan Burl remained undefeated on 67 runs in 49 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes as Pakistan claimed an easy 69-run win.

Pakistan cricket is facing a heated contested selection debate ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering bringing Babar Azam back to strengthen the T20I squad for the marquee event. In the meantime, Salman Ali Agha's role as Pakistan's captain and batter for T20I is still in question after his below-par performance during the Asia Cup 2025, as he scored only 72 runs in seven games at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89.

Despite that, Salman continues to get support from Pakistan selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, although in PCB circles, concerns about his inconsistent performances are rising. According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, Hesson and the selectors remain determined to keep Salman as T20I captain, but some PCB officials have raised doubts about his ability to lead the batting line-up as the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The PCB is also reportedly considering recalling former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home. But the team management has raised some concerns regarding Babar's return, mentioning the concerns of team balance and strategy. Hesson had earlier stated that Babar must enhance his strike rate and game against spin if he is to make a T20I return, which was also the reason for his Asia Cup 2025 exclusion.

Split in PCB Over T20I Leadership

Babar Azam has been out of T20Is since the latter part of 2024 due to poor performances and low strike rates, but the PCB feels his experience would bring stability to the T20I team in the run-up to the World Cup. Although the board wishes for his return, the present team management prefers sticking with Salman Ali Agha as captain, and hence the PCB is divided on this matter. It remains uncertain whether Babar will make a comeback for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

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Earlier, Pakistan made surprise changes to its squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, dropping fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram, reducing the squad from 18 to 16 players. The first Test begins at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. After the Tests, both teams will play three T20Is and three ODIs between October 28 and November 8.

October 05 will be the fourth successive Sunday when India will lock horns with Pakistan for an international cricket encounter. In the last three encounters, during the Asia Cup 2025, through the group-stage fixture, Super 4 clash, and the final of the event. On those three occasions, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side got the better of the opponents to clinch their ninth title. 

Pakistan women faced Bangladesh during their opening clash of the World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and ended up losing the game poorly, which indicates where their cricket stands at this point in the women’s contests. On the other hand, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, India won the curtain-raiser against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.

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Ahead of both sides’ meeting for the respective second game in Colombo, the T20I captain of the Pakistan side, Salman Ali Agha, has sent a special message to the women’s side, as he wishes for them to bring the trophy home. “I wish them the very best of luck. Hopefully, they can win the World Cup and bring the trophy home.” Salman Agha expressed the message.

Salman Ali Agha wishes for Pakistan’s women’s team’s success in World Cup 2025

Salman Agha didn’t cross the 25-run mark with the bat in the last 10 T20Is, which is a really poor stat for any national side’s captain, or even if the individual is playing as a player. The 31-year-old has smashed a total of 561 runs in 30 T20I innings at an average of 23.37 and a strike rate of 110.21, with the help of four half-centuries at the best score of 56.

In Guwahati, Indian women side posted 269/8 in their 50 allotted overs with the bat as both Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur celebrated respective half-centuries before the Blue Brigade bundled out the Sri Lanka side for 211 runs to earn a vital 59-run victory. Deepti also picked up three wickets in 10 overs.

On the flip of the coin, Pakistan's women's side was bowled out for 129 runs with only two batters crossing the 20-run mark. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target by seven wickets as Rubya Haiden remained unbeaten for 54 runs in 77 balls.

On Sunday, leading up to the highly anticipated final of the Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan, India's captain Suryakumar Yadav made a surprising call and did not attend the pre-match trophy photoshoot, which took place at Dubai International Stadium less than an hour before the toss. The scheduled pre-match event is a traditional pre-game celebration where the captains pose with the trophy, which in this case saw Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha pose with the championship silverware by himself.

With the already charged environment surrounding this final, this incident prompted immediate discussion. This is the first time the historically adversarial nations of India and Pakistan will compete in an Asia Cup Final, and it was their third meeting this tournament; India was victorious in both previous matches. India certainly has a psychological advantage heading into this title matchup.

Suryakumar’s decision also comes on the heels of a controversy of recent origin. Earlier in the month, Suryakumar received a 30% match fee sanction from the ICC after dedicating India’s win in their group-stage game over Pakistan to the victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam. After Suryakumar made the comment, the Pakistan Cricket Board argued that the comment was political and called for a Level 4 sanction; however, the ICC ultimately settled on a financial sanction only. The BCCI has since appealed to the ICC for the decision.

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In a calm and diplomatic manner, when asked about the situation occurring off the field in the lead-up to the final episode, Salman Ali Agha said, "They can do whatever they want; we will follow protocol. What they choose to do is up to them. We are here to play cricket." 

Agha also pointed out that Pakistan would not be distracted by chatter off the field. "Whatever the media talk is and any noise outside doesn’t concern us. We’re here for the Asia Cup. We’ve come to play good cricket and now we’ll try to win tomorrow in the final," he said. 

When it came to the game plan, Agha suggested that Pakistan would be adaptable. "It depends on conditions. In the first match, we started with spin and added some pace later. Generally, the team that makes fewer mistakes will win these matches," he said.

As the cricketing world anxiously anticipates the next chapter of the age-old rivalry, the final on Sunday should provide all of the requisite drama and intensity as well as a shot at history for both sides.

It was another toss between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, but it was a big toss as they were playing in the tournament Final. While it is the first Asia Cup Final meeting between India and Pakistan, we experienced a very strange incident at the toss. 

There is a tension between India and Pakistan in the entire Asia Cup 2025 due to the present tense situation between the two countries. The relation between the two cricket teams has also been affected in this tournament, as there are no handshakes, which the Indian team has decided to maintain away from the Pakistan team. 

Once again, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav maintained no handshake status with the Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha in the Asia Cup 2025 Final toss on Sunday (September 28) at Dubai. After the Indian captain SKY won the toss, he confidently chose to bowl first. But then we experienced a very strange incident.

Asia Cup 2025 Final, India vs Pakistan - Toss: Ravi Shastri interviewed Indian captain; Waqar Younis interviewed Pakistan captain

While the Indian captain Suryakumar gave the interview to the former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, the former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis interviewed the Pakistan skipper Salman Agha. We always experience that only one anchor, generally a reputed commentator, takes both captains' interviews at the toss. But the Asia Cup 2025 Final has experienced this rare incident where both captains gave the toss interviews to different commentators. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: Hardik Pandya missing the Final

During the toss, the Indian captain brought the harsh news for the Indian cricket fans, as the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya would miss the Asia Cup 2025 Final due to an injury. Apart from Pandya, India have all other strong names for the Final, while Rinku Singh joined the playing XI in the absence of Pandya. Meanwhile, Pakistan have named their usual strong side for the tournament Final. 

The Indian team has decided not to shake hands with Pakistan cricketers in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, which they maintained in their two meetings in the tournament, and the Men in Blues are very likely to maintain it on Sunday (September 28) during the Asia Cup 2025 Final. On the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 Final, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has finally reacted to this decision. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan - The Indian team decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan team

While the Indian team has maintained their friendly status, including shaking hands with all other teams in the Asia Cup 2025, they have decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan cricketers in the tournament as a protest against the 2025 Pahalgam attack last April, where 26 civilians were killed. 

Although the handshake isn't a compulsory gesture in any international cricket matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn't taken that incident lightly, as the board demanded the match referee's suspension by alleging that the referee took sides for the Indian team in that matter. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: Pakistan Cricket Board chief to present trophy; What will India do?

No handshakes are not good for cricket: Pakistan captain

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha feels that no handshakes are not good for cricket. He claimed that he never experienced it previously. 

In the pre-match press conference, Pakistan skipper said, “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 the match. Even my father is a big cricket fan, I’ve heard stories about the game from him. He never told me that anything like that happened in the past, that two teams playing cricket didn’t shake hands. I’ve always heard that no such thing has ever happened on a cricket field. India and Pakistan have played earlier as well when the relations between the two countries were even worse. Even then, there used to be handshakes. According to me, no handshakes are not good for cricket.”

Talking more about the no handshake row, Pakistan captain added, “They can do whatever they want, we will just follow the protocol. Rest is upto them, if they wanna come, then come and if they don’t. We can’t do anything.” 

India and Pakistan have already met twice in the Asia Cup 2025, once in the group stage and the other in the Super Fours, and on both occasions India comfortably defeated their arch-rivals. While Indian cricketers didn't shake hands with Pakistan players in both those matches, their last game was heated on the field. While Pakistan refused to attend the pre-match press conference against India at the Super Fours, they haven't repeated it before the tournament Final. 

India and Pakistan will face off against each other for the last time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as they will meet in the Final of the tournament, which will be their first meeting in the 41-year-old Asia Cup Final history. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed that the Men in Green are ready to handle the in-form Men in Blues in the Final.

India thrashed Pakistan in two meetings in the Asia Cup 2025

India have dominated in the Asia Cup 2025, as they are favourites for the tournament. Starting as the favourites, the Men in Blues have absolutely dominated in every match of the tournament. They have already faced Pakistan twice in the tournament, and on both occasions, India just thrashed them.

In the Group A fixture, India beat Pakistan by seven wickets with 25 balls remaining. Later, in the Super Fours, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side claimed another dominant six-wicket win with seven balls remaining. 

On the other hand, Pakistan had to wait for their last games in both the group stage and Super Fours to qualify for the next rounds. It was a challenging fixture for Pakistan against Bangladesh, where both teams could qualify for the tournament by winning the match. Although Pakistan were restricted to 135/8 in 20 overs, after once struggling at 49/5, Bangladesh failed to chase the target, as they were restricted to 124/9 in 20 overs, as Pakistan won by 11 runs to reach the Final of the Asia Cup 2025.

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We are a good enough team to beat anyone: Pakistan captain

Now, India and Pakistan will face each other for the third time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, and it will be the ultimate game of the tournament. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is excited for the upcoming Asia Cup Final, as he believes that they are good enough to beat anyone. 

Pakistan captain said at the post-match presentation against Bangladesh in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025, "Very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them."

The former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar, has displayed his disappointment and anger towards their captain, Salman Ali Agha, after their six-wicket defeat against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. He had a wild go at the young campaigner.

Akhtar felt that Agha hadn’t had any knowledge of the captaincy as he faced two successive defeats against India within a week. He questioned Pakistan captain's skills in using his main bowlers when India started to attack them at the top with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s powerplay batting.

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“I really don’t understand what the management is thinking. Wrong decisions are being made repeatedly. The middle order isn’t planned properly, and the power play isn’t being utilized effectively. Bowlers are also not being used wisely. There was no coordination, the lines and lengths were poor—starting with a bad bouncer, and then things just kept getting worse.” Shoaib Akhtar expressed during the recent interaction on Tapmad.

Shoaib Akhtar rips apart Salman Agha’s leadership after IND vs PAK Super 4 clash

With the bat, Agha struggled for 17 runs in 13 balls while in the tournament, he has just managed 40 runs in four innings in the ongoing tournament in a strike rate of 75.57 with a strike rate of 111.83. Akhtar wasn’t happy either with Pakistan’s team selection.

“Salman ko khud nahi pata wo kya kaptaani kar raha hai (Salman himself doesn’t know what he’s been doing). He is the weakest link. Does he even deserve the spot he is playing at? What does he do? He could be a good boy, but what does he produce? Does he perform like Tilka Varma or Hardik Pandya?” The 50-year-old added.

“Players who can actually win matches for Pakistan—like Hasan Nawaz or Wasim Junior—are left out. Instead, players who neither justify their position nor contribute meaningfully are given opportunities.” Shoaib Akhtar explained that Pakistan will now look to bounce back for their next clash against Sri Lanka on September 23.

The stage is all set for the clash of the titans. India and Pakistan: The rivalry (IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025) between these two teams reached new heights after the 'no handshake' controversy, generated during their group match clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. India defeated Pakistan on September 14, only a week ago, by 7 wickets and 25 balls to spare. Men in Blue entered into Super Fours as the undefeated team in the group stage; they went on to win all three matches in the first phase of the competition. On the other hand, Pakistan had to wait for their confirmed ticket for the Super 4s until the United Arab Emirates match. In their last group match, the Salman Ali Agha-led team outclassed UAE and qualified for the next stage. Abhishek Sharma has been in outstanding form, captain Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma also found their scoring bats. On the bowling side, Kuldeep Yadav proved useful in the dry conditions and slow tracks. 

Toss Update:

India won the toss, and Suryakumar Yadav decided to bowl first. 

Notably, again, no handshake between two skippers, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha- tension remains. 

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"Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since first round we were thinking we're playing a knockout tournament, nothing changes. That was a completely different wicket", India captain said after the toss. He further informed that Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy come back for Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. 

Playing XIs:

India- Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (In for Arshdeep Singh), and Varun Chakaravarthy (In for Harshit Rana).

Pakistan- Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat (In for Khushdil Shah), Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf (In for Hasan Nawaz), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed