Former Indian cricketer Priyank Panchal slammed Salman Agha for his on-field argument with Mike Hesson during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between Pakistan and Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday. The incident occurred after Agha’s dismissal, with television cameras capturing the Pakistan captain in an animated exchange with head coach Hesson. Agha appeared visibly unhappy during the discussion and was later seen throwing a water bottle on the ground.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha was seen having an argument with head coach Mike Hesson. (PTI)
Meanwhile, Babar Azam, who was seated between the pair, didn’t interfere. Taking to X, Panchal wrote, “The argument video of Mike Hesson and Salman Agha is painful. He’s one of the most astute cricketing brains of recent times! Pakistan shouldn’t go for seasoned foreign coaches like Arthur, Kirsten, Gillespie if they cannot accord them the required respect!”
Defending a target of 200, Pakistan bowled out Namibia for 97 in 17.3 overs, with Usman Tariq claiming a four-wicket haul while Shadab Khan picked up three wickets. In the first innings, Pakistan posted 199/3 in 20 overs, powered by a brilliant century from Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan remained unbeaten on 100 off 58 balls, striking 11 fours and four sixes.
The viral argument between Salman Agha and Mike Hesson highlighted the tense atmosphere within the Pakistan camp. Their clash against Namibia was a must-win encounter after the 61-run defeat to India on Sunday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. A loss would have resulted in elimination, but the victory secured Pakistan’s place in the Super Eight stage.
Babar Azam was demoted in the batting order, as he did not bat at his usual No. 4 position. After a solid start in the first innings, Pakistan promoted Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan ahead of Babar, who has been struggling for form. Pakistan also dropped Shaheen Afridi following his poor outing against India, where he conceded 31 runs in two overs.
Speaking after the match, Agha praised Farhan for his role in the victory. “I think it has to be a complete performance. I think we batted well in Powerplay; we started really well in the Powerplay, and in the middle, we put partnerships on, and then we finished well. Sahibzada has been outstanding. The way he’s been batting for us for the last six months, he’s just batting really well, and he scored 100 today. I’m very happy for him,” he said.