Pakistan captain's reaction goes viral as Afghanistan called Asia's second-best team - WATCH

The Pakistan cricket team has not been in the best of form for the past several years. Pakistan have failed to reach the knockout stage of the last three ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, which they hosted in their country. Now, Pakistan are playing a tri-series in the UAE, just before the Asia Cup 2025, to get ready for the ACC tournament.

At a press conference before their opening match against Afghanistan , Pakistan’s newly appointed T20 captain Salman Ali Agha was involved in a questionable incident. He was seen smirking after a Pakistani reporter remarked that Afghanistan are the second-best team in Asia, with India being the best side. Salman’s reaction has gone viral on social media.

Watch Salman Ali Agha’s viral reaction

The reporter was asking a question to Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan regarding their performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they reached the semifinals, while India went on to win the trophy. Pakistan were knocked out of the competition early and even lost a game against a lower-ranked USA. Apart from Rashid, UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem was also present at the presser.

as ever, Salman Ali Agha’s facial expressions saying a lot more than his words ever will.. pic.twitter.com/TghQPez6vm

— Cani (@caniyaar) August 28, 2025

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However, the Pakistani journalist who asked the question clarified that he meant Afghanistan were the second-best Asian team in the 2024 T20 World Cup, not in general. Despite the clarification, Salman’s reaction is still making buzz, as Afghanistan has really managed to stake a claim as the second-best Asian team over the past few years.

Journalist, and that’s me, said: Afghanistan finished as the second best Asian team in T20 World Cup 2024 … https://t.co/XDZcP6DQvg

— Shahid Hashmi (@hashmi_shahid) August 28, 2025

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Meanwhile, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs in their opening game on Friday, August 29. Salman was named the Player of the Match as he smashed an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls.

The Pakistan team is in transition, missing senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Shaheen Shah Afridi is leading the pace attack. Naseem Shah has also been left out of the team for the ACC event. Pakistan will play their opening game against Oman on September 12.

As far as the Asia Cup is concerned, neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan can be called the second-best team in the region. The title lies with Sri Lanka, who are the second-most successful team in the tournament’s history after undisputed India.