The landscape of Pakistani cricket is evolving, and one name that’s been making waves across formats is Salman Agha. Known for his calm demeanor and calculated style, Agha is now not only leading Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but also captaining Pakistan in T20Is. His journey from being overlooked to becoming a central figure has many lessons—not just for aspiring cricketers but for the very future of the PSL. In this piece, we explore Salman Agha’s transformation and why he believes Pakistani players need to become superstars for the PSL to flourish.

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From Overlooked to Unstoppable: Salman Agha’s Rise in T20 Cricket

Until recently, Salman Agha wasn’t a name you’d associate with T20 success. Despite solid performances in Test and ODI formats, his T20 stats were uninspiring. Before joining Islamabad United in 2024, Agha had a T20 strike rate under 112 and had gone unpicked in the PSL for two seasons.

But then came a breakthrough—an opportunity that turned the narrative around. Drafted by United in the Silver category, Agha stunned everyone with his reinvention. In his very first game, he scored 64 off 31 balls, showing intent, maturity, and adaptability.

He didn’t stop there. By the end of PSL 2024, he was United’s second-highest run scorer, racking up 310 runs at a strike rate over 140. His calm under pressure, coupled with smart gameplay, played a pivotal role in United lifting the trophy.

Rethinking the Game: A Lesson in Game Awareness

What changed for Salman Agha? According to him, it was all about game awareness. Watching the PSL from the sidelines gave him insights he never saw while playing.

“Earlier, I used to rush things in T20s. I thought there wasn’t enough time. But now I know, even if the asking rate is 10, you can plan your innings around it,” said Agha.

That shift in mindset allowed him to thrive. He started focusing on conditions, pitch behavior, and match situations rather than just hitting out blindly. This maturity became evident in PSL 2025’s opener when he scored a gritty 41 off 34 on a slow pitch, building a steady partnership with Colin Munro to guide United to victory.

The Islamabad United Philosophy: Dimagh Se

Islamabad United isn’t your average PSL team. Their approach, as their motto suggests—"Dimagh Se" (with the mind)—is centered on intelligent, adaptable cricket. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Agha’s own style.

“People think we just go all guns blazing,” Agha said in an interview. “But we assess the pitch, game situation, and play accordingly. If a chase requires 140, we don’t aim for 200.”

It’s this type of thinking that defines modern cricket leadership. And it’s why Agha’s approach has earned him the captaincy of Pakistan’s T20 side, a role he carries with a quiet confidence.

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Becoming a Three-Format Player: The Road Less Traveled

Salman Agha didn’t start his international journey until the age of 28. Yet, within a short span, he’s left a mark across all formats. He averages over 42 in ODIs with the highest strike rate among Pakistani players since his debut. In Tests, despite batting lower down the order, he has one of the highest averages and contributes valuable runs under pressure.

What’s the secret?

“Belief in my game and experience in domestic cricket,” says Agha. He emphasizes the importance of first-class cricket in shaping a player's temperament and technique. “Thirty to forty first-class games give you the foundation to handle international cricket.”

His balanced style, formed over years in domestic cricket, made the transition smoother. He wasn’t overawed by the big stage—and more importantly, he knew what to improve.

Leadership Under Fire: A New Era for Pakistan Cricket?

While Salman Agha’s leadership in the PSL has earned praise, his appointment as Pakistan’s T20I captain came amid chaos. The team was struggling, and selectors were unsure of the direction. Initially, Agha wasn’t even going to be picked for the New Zealand series. But in classic Pakistan fashion, he was named captain instead.

Despite early criticism, Agha remains composed. He isn’t fixated on his batting position or personal stats. “I’ll bat wherever it’s hardest to bat,” he says. It’s a selfless approach, and one that could reshape how leadership is viewed in Pakistan cricket.

The Superstar Problem in PSL

Salman Agha makes a powerful observation: The Pakistan Super League cannot thrive without local superstars. While international players are a draw, consistency and identity must come from within.

“No league can grow without local players stepping up,” he says. “Foreign players may or may not be available every season, but local stars stay. They are the foundation of every great league.”

In leagues like the IPL or Big Bash, local heroes are the face of their franchises. For the PSL to reach similar heights, Pakistani players must become marquee names—not just solid performers, but box office entertainers.

A System That Supports Evolution

Salman’s case shows what’s possible when players are backed and developed properly. Islamabad United took a gamble on him, not based on flashy T20 stats, but on his potential and cricketing intelligence.

Their coaching staff looked at his ODI performances and decision-making under pressure. They saw a player who could adapt, absorb pressure, and take calculated risks. And they were right.

His story should encourage franchises and selectors alike to look beyond stats—especially in shorter formats where one innings can alter perceptions.

Finding Joy in T20 Cricket Again

In many ways, Agha’s reinvention in T20 cricket is about rediscovering joy. “T20 cricket is meant to be enjoyed,” he says. “I’ve adjusted my game so I can go after the bowling from ball one if needed.”

This freedom, combined with smart play, makes him dangerous. It also helps break the stereotype that calm, composed players can’t excel in the fast-paced T20 arena.

Agha has shown that with the right mindset and preparation, even those labeled “unsuited” can thrive.

Why Salman Agha’s Story Matters

Salman Agha’s journey isn’t just a personal triumph. It’s a blueprint for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan—and a case study in modern cricketing evolution.

From being dismissed as too slow for T20s, to becoming a key part of one of PSL’s most successful sides, and eventually leading Pakistan, his story reflects the resilience, adaptability, and intelligence needed in today’s game.

For the PSL to grow, for Pakistan cricket to evolve, and for fans to keep believing—players like Agha must lead the way, both on the scoreboard and in character.

Conclusion: The Future of PSL Hinges on Local Superstars

As Salman Agha aptly puts it, “Pakistan players need to become superstars” if the PSL is to compete with the world's biggest leagues. And that doesn’t mean just flashy sixes or viral moments—it means consistency, intelligence, adaptability, and leadership.

With players like Agha setting the example, and platforms like et20worldcup keeping fans informed and engaged, the future of Pakistani cricket has a strong foundation to build on