In the midst of Pakistan cricket’s T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE, a heated debate has erupted among fans, pundits, and former cricketers. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris have been at the center of relentless social media criticism over their form, approach, and comments.
Amid the growing controversy, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stepped in to defend both players, urging cricket fans to support rather than troll them.
His statement comes at a crucial time when Pakistan’s T20 team is experimenting with fresh talent ahead of the Asia Cup & 2026 T20 World Cup.
🗣️ Mohsin Naqvi’s Strong Statement ✍️
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi sent out a clear message to critics:
“Salman and Haris deserve support, not social media trolling.”
Naqvi’s words indicate that the PCB management is fully backing the new T20 leadership group, despite public backlash.
🔥 Why Are Salman Ali Agha & Mohammad Haris Being Criticized? 🤔
Both players have been under intense scrutiny from fans and ex-cricketers alike for different reasons:
⚡ 1. Salman Ali Agha’s Strike Rate Debate 📉
- As Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha’s strike rate has been a hot topic.
- Fans have compared his approach to modern-day power-hitters and criticized his conservative batting style.
- Critics argue that Pakistan needs aggressive leaders who embrace fearless cricket.
⚡ 2. Mohammad Haris’ Remarks on Babar Azam 🗣️
Mohammad Haris has faced even harsher backlash after his controversial comments on Babar Azam’s T20 approach:
“Babar Azam needs to play faster in T20 cricket. To set a new benchmark, we must give juniors more opportunities.”
While some agreed with Haris’ modern cricket philosophy, many viewed it as disrespectful towards Pakistan’s most successful batter.
🔥 Basit Ali’s Explosive Reaction 🎙️
Former cricketer Basit Ali launched a scathing attack on Haris:
“If Mohammad Haris says Babar Azam needs improvement, I think Haris should be beaten with a stick. Who are you to talk about Babar?”
His remarks divided opinions further, sparking heated debates on television and social media.
🏏 Pakistan’s T20I Tri-Series Performance So Far 📊
Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan’s T20I campaign in the tri-series has started strongly:
| Match | Opponent | Result | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | Won 🏆 | Agha – 53 (36) |
| Match 2 | UAE 🇦🇪 | Won 🏆 | Saim – 69 (38) |
| Match 3 | Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | Upcoming | TBD |
Pakistan currently tops the points table with 4 points from 2 matches.
🎯 PCB’s New T20 Vision Under Mohsin Naqvi 🏆
The PCB Chairman is pushing a long-term strategy aimed at rebuilding Pakistan’s T20I squad:
🏹 1. Backing Young Talent
Players like Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, and Azam Khan are being given consistent opportunities.
🔄 2. Leadership Transition
Handing the captaincy to Salman Ali Agha marks a fresh approach after the Babar-Rizwan era.
📈 3. Focus on 2026 T20 World Cup
All experiments are designed to prepare a fearless unit for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
📢 Social Media Backlash vs. PCB’s Stand 💬
While Mohsin Naqvi has called for patience, Pakistani fans have been vocal on social media:
- #SupportHaris and #BackAgha are trending hashtags pushed by PCB loyalists.
- #BringBackBabar is being used by fans unhappy with team changes.
- Memes, debates, and YouTube rants dominate the cricketing ecosystem.
🏆 The Babar Azam Factor 😮💨
- It’s impossible to discuss this controversy without touching on Babar Azam’s stature:
- Babar remains Pakistan’s No.1 ODI batter and one of the top-ranked T20I players globally.
- Many fans believe Haris’ comments crossed a line, considering Babar’s match-winning record.
- Some argue, however, that constructive criticism is essential to modernize Pakistan’s T20 approach.
🧩 Key Challenges Ahead for PCB ⚠️
The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB faces several tough decisions:
- Balancing youth development with experience retention 🧠
- Managing player egos and media controversies 📰
- Preparing a fearless batting lineup capable of scoring 200+ totals consistently
- Defining clear roles for captains, seniors, and emerging talents
📊 Salman Ali Agha & Mohammad Haris – Stats Snapshot
| Player | T20I Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha | 22 | 412 | 123.6 | 26.8 | 62* |
| Mohammad Haris | 18 | 389 | 148.5 | 24.3 | 73 |
These numbers show why the PCB is willing to invest patience in their development curve.
❓ FAQs — PCB Chairman Defends Agha & Haris
Q1. Why did PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi defend Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Haris?
📌 He believes both players are key to Pakistan’s T20 future and deserve support, not trolling.Q2. What did Mohammad Haris say about Babar Azam?
📌 Haris suggested Babar needs to bat faster and that juniors deserve more chances.Q3. Is Salman Ali Agha underperforming as T20I captain?
📌 While his strike rate is debated, Pakistan has won back-to-back matches under his leadership.Q4. Is Babar Azam making a T20I comeback soon?
📌 No official statement yet, but fans are eagerly waiting for his return.Q5. What’s next for Pakistan in the tri-series?
📌 Pakistan faces Afghanistan next, aiming to seal a spot in the final.🏁 Final Thoughts
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s statement highlights a larger shift in Pakistan cricket — the transition towards youth and a modern T20 philosophy.
While Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Haris face criticism, their roles in shaping Pakistan’s T20 future remain crucial.
For fans, it’s a balancing act between nostalgia for the Babar-Rizwan era and embracing a fearless new generation.
If Pakistan continues to win matches in the tri-series and beyond, this controversy may soon fade. But until then, the battle between old-school loyalty and new-age cricket will continue to dominate headlines.