Salman Agha–Hesson spat sparks outrage as ex-Indian player questions Pakistan’s foreign coach policy: Painful to watch

A former Indian cricketer reacted to Salman Agha's animated exchange with head coach Mike Hesson during Pakistan's T20 World Cup game vs Namibia.

Updated on: Feb 19, 2026, 10:30:27 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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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!”

Also Read: Pakistan captain Salman Agha in tense exchange with coach Mike Hesson, bangs bottle as awkward Babar Azam looks on

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.

Also Read: No new ground to practice, little infrastructure boost: J&K’s journey to Ranji final is a stunning 12-year odyssey

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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