Shoaib Akhtar Praises Salman Ali Agha For Putting the Team Ahead of Self

Leaving aside the debate about their boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, Pakistan easily won a 3-0 clean sweep against Australia in their last series before the T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. What is quite encouraging for Pakistan is that their margin of victory has been steadily improving with each passing match – a 22-run victory in the first T20, a resounding 90-run victory in the second, and an astonishing 111-run victory in the third. However, Australia has been missing several important players, most of whom are racing against time to get fit for the T20 World Cup, which begins later this week.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was lavish in his praise for Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, terming him a “selfless” captain. Agha was the top run-getter in the series with 120 runs to his name, including a match-winning, career-best 76 off 40 deliveries in the second match. However, it was Agha’s leadership qualities and acumen as a captain that impressed former fast bowler Akhtar about him.

Akhtar said on the show - 'Game On Hai.'

“Pakistan has found a good captain. For the first time in a decade, there is a man who puts the Pakistan team first. This is the first time I have seen that we have a captain who is sacrificing his own place (in the batting order) for the betterment of the team.”

Also read | Report claims ICC Deputy Imran Khwaja asked to mediate India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match

He also added:

“This guy is like Daren Sammy for us. He can bat, but he’s a very selfless captain. I’m very happy to see that there is a man at the helm who thinks that let others do well, and my own place in the team is in God’s hands.”

Salman Ali Agha on Pakistan boycotting India in T20 WC 2026

Read Also | Pakistan Accuses ICC of Bias, Demands Independent Global Cricket Authority

Talking to the media on February 2, 2026, Salman Ali Agha, the T20 captain of Pakistan, said that whether to boycott the match against India is solely the decision of the Pakistan government and the PCB. As contracted players, they will abide by the orders given to them by their superiors and the state.

He clearly stated:

"Humara decision nahi hai, hum kuch nahi kar sakte" (It is not our decision, we can't do anything about it).