Head coach Mike Hesson has clarified the viral video that emerged during Pakistan’s World Cup T20 Super 8 match against Namibia. In the clip, Hesson appeared to be involved in a heated exchange with Salman Agha, who was seen smashing a bottle on the ground. As the conversation unfolded, Babar Azam sat between them.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 match against New Zealand, Hesson explained that Agha was simply frustrated after the performance and reacted with disappointment. He added that the footage had been widely misinterpreted and stressed that his discussion with the Pakistan captain was straightforward and unrelated to Aghona’s reaction.
Also Read: Pakistan bounce back from India debacle, reach Super 8 after Namibia
“I saw the video that was sent to me and you have it completely wrong. Let me explain what actually happened. I went to speak to Salman and asked Nawaz to put his pads on as a left-hander. Agha had just come out and was understandably angry so he threw the bottle on the ground. It had nothing to do with the conversation we had in the pre-match conference,” Hesson told a press conference.
“Once the left-arm spinner finished, we discussed Shadab putting on his pads to come in. It was a very straightforward conversation and Agha wasn’t even part of it. He was just disappointed at his dismissal and happened to be around. It’s remarkable how easily situations can be misinterpreted,” Hesson added.
PERFORMANCE OF PAKISTAN AND SALMAN AT WC T20
Salman Agha endured a modest start to the tournament, scoring 12, 1 and 4 against Netherlands, United States and India. However, he rediscovered his touch against Namibia, producing a smooth 38 off 23 balls with three fours and two sixes.
He was dismissed by Jack Brassell in an attempted over shot after he had put on a 67-run stand for the second wicket with Sahibzada Farhan. It was a must-win game for Pakistan and they did it in style, securing a commanding 102-run victory to book their place in the Super 8.
Pakistan opened their campaign with a narrow three-wicket win over the Netherlands, followed by a 32-run triumph against the United States. A 61-run defeat to India briefly halted their momentum, but they bounced back in a big way with a dominant performance against Namibia.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 20, 2026