Off-Field Controversies “Not a Good Thing” for Cricket, Says Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Ahead of T20 World Cup Opener

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over persistent off-field controversies dominating headlines instead of cricket as his team prepares to face the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Colombo on Saturday. Speaking to the media, Agha confirmed he will continue batting at number three and stressed the importance of keeping the focus on the sport.

Reflecting on the scrutiny surrounding Pakistan cricket, Agha said, “In the past two events (Asia Cup and this T20 WC in which India clash has been boycotted), like this event has just started, more than cricket – even when we come to a press conference, more than cricket we are being asked about other things, which I think is not a good thing, because we have come here as a sportsman and we come to talk about cricket and play cricket. It is better that things remain at that level only. We, as a team and as individuals, try not to let these things affect us, and do not see or think about these things much, because it is better to avoid such things for yourself and for the betterment of your game.”

The past few months have brought several controversies, including the ‘handshake-gate’ incident with India during the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s government-directed boycott of the upcoming World Cup group-stage clash against India. These issues have often overshadowed on-field performances and created a tense environment around the team.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC and PCB are currently engaged in back-channel discussions to resolve the India-Pakistan match dispute. Pakistan, acting on the government’s directive, is set to skip the February 15 fixture in Colombo but will continue playing their remaining matches. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the boycott is a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, who were excluded from the event after refusing to play in India, one of the co-hosts along with Sri Lanka.

Although the PCB has not issued an official public explanation, the ICC urged the board to “explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.” Mediation efforts have involved ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja and Emirates Cricket Board official Mubashir Usmani, who have held discussions with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Salman Naseer of the PSL. Talks reportedly began even before the boycott was formally announced, as Naqvi had raised concerns citing the government’s stance.

During meetings in the UAE, Naqvi also consulted with officials there, while Khwaja continued coordinating from Singapore. Early discussions included the possibility of sanctions for withdrawing, but the PCB maintained that its decision was based on principles rather than financial matters. Naqvi had previously criticised the ICC for excluding Bangladesh, accusing the organisation of “double standards” and doing an “injustice” to the team.

Since the boycott announcement, the ICC has shifted its priority toward understanding PCB concerns and attempting to ensure that the high-profile match can still go ahead. Khwaja has played a mediating role in several past disputes between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC.

Agha also spoke about his batting position, confirming he will continue at number three, where he has excelled recently. “I think right now, it is going very well at number three, so there is no need to change it. I will bat three,” he said. In nine innings at that position, he has accumulated 297 runs at an average of 37.12 and a strike rate of 167.79, including two fifties. His strike rate drops significantly below 120 when batting in other positions.

Discussing the team combination for the opener, Agha made it clear that selection decisions will be performance-oriented. “Now, if any senior player or Fakhar or Babar does not fit, then we will not play them. We will play what is best for the team. And Fakhar, I think, has performed a lot for Pakistan in the last 10 years. Similarly, Babar has performed well. And I fully support them. But what is better for the team, we will make playing 11 accordingly,” he concluded.