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Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha penalized for code of conduct breach

Pakistan cricketer

DHAKA: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to Pakistani batter Salman Ali Agha following his reaction to a controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh national cricket team. The ICC has also added one de-merit point to his record.

According to the ICC, Salman Ali Agha was found in violation of Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2, which relates to inappropriate conduct involving cricket equipment, clothing, or ground facilities during an international match.

The incident occurred at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversially ran out Salman at the non-striker’s end. In response, Salman expressed visible anger as he walked off the field.

The ICC confirmed that Salman Ali Agha has acknowledged his mistake.

Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hammad Hafeez criticized Mehidy Hasan’s actions on social media, calling them unsporting and against the spirit of cricket.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s family targeted after defeat

Pakistan captain

Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha’s wife and young son became victims of online harassment following the team’s defeat to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.

On Tuesday, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals. The victory was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook.

Pakistan posted 164 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, England chased down the target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8.

Following the loss, fans and former cricketers criticized the team’s performance. However, some social media users crossed the line by directing abusive comments toward Salman Ali Agha’s family.

Salman Ali Agha’s wife, Saba, addressed the situation through an Instagram story, condemning the harassment aimed at her and their innocent child.

“Abusing me or my innocent son will not help you win the World Cup,” she wrote, urging fans to show restraint.

Her message quickly went viral, drawing reactions from the cricketing community.

Tabraiz Shamsi Condemns Behavior

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi publicly condemned the abuse, expressing support for the family.

In a post on X, Shamsi wrote that such “foolish behavior” angers him. He added that while disappointment over a team’s defeat is natural and winning and losing are part of sport, targeting players’ families is unacceptable.

“This is for fans of all countries—please respect others,” he emphasized.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of online harassment faced by athletes and their families in the wake of high-profile sporting defeats.

PCB announces Pakistan squad for T20 series against Australia

PCB announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia.

For the three-match series, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made their return to the T20 side.

The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Other players named in the squad are Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

According to the PCB, the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, while all three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31, and February 1.

The series is expected to attract strong fan interest as Pakistan prepares to face Australia at home in a high-profile T20 contest.

Salman Ali Agha creates new milestone in T20 cricket

Salman Ali Agha

KARACHI: The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka proved disappointing for the national side in terms of result, but Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s sensational and aggressive batting display won the hearts of cricket fans.

Played in Dambulla, the match saw Salman Ali Agha produce an extraordinary innings, scoring 45 runs off just 12 deliveries, an effort that included five fours and three towering sixes. His blistering knock came at a staggering strike rate of 375.0.

This performance set a new world record in T20 International cricket, marking the highest strike rate ever achieved by a captain (minimum 10 balls faced) against a full-member team.

Previously, the record belonged to Kieron Pollard, who scored 38 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 345.5 against Sri Lanka in 2021. Salman Ali Agha has now surpassed that milestone with his breathtaking innings.

Notably, the elite list of fastest T20I innings by captains also features renowned batters such as Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Darren Sammy, but Salman Ali Agha’s explosive knock has propelled him to the top.

Although Pakistan failed to secure victory in the match, the captain’s historic batting effort is expected to be remembered for a long time and is being seen as a positive sign for the team’s future.