Pakistan captain Salman Agha has admitted that his side’s inability to make sound decisions under pressure has been the root cause of their repeated failures at ICC events, following their exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday.
PAK vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: Scorecard | Highlights
Pakistan were knocked out despite beating Sri Lanka by five runs in their final Super 8s fixture. They needed to restrict the co-hosts to 147 or fewer to overhaul New Zealand’s net run rate, but Dasun Shanaka’s blistering 76 not out off 31 balls and Pavan Rathnayake’s 58 guided Sri Lanka to 207 for 6. Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s stunning century and Fakhar Zaman’s 84, helping Pakistan post 212 for 8, it was not enough. Pakistan and New Zealand finished level on three points, with the Kiwis advancing on a better net run rate. England had already sealed their spot after winning all three Super 8s matches.
PRESSURE REMAINS PAKISTAN’S ACHILLES HEEL
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Agha was candid about where Pakistan continue to fall short.
“We have to increase our game playing under pressure. When the pressure increases, how to improve our decision-making — that matters more right now. Because whenever there is pressure, our decision-making is not as good as it should be,” Agha said.
The captain did not shy away from taking responsibility either, acknowledging that both he and the coaching staff must be held accountable.
“We will take full responsibility. Why not? Because we were involved in selecting the team, and we were responsible for the players. I will take responsibility, and I’m sure the coach will also take responsibility,” he added.
A FAMILIAR STORY AT ICC EVENTS
The pattern of underperformance at major ICC events is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Pakistan have not made it past the group stages of an ODI World Cup since 2015. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, they were knocked out in the group stage. Their last deep run in the T20 World Cup came in 2022, where they reached the final before falling to Australia.
For a side with the talent Pakistan undeniably possess, the gap between potential and performance at the biggest moments remains its most stubborn problem. Until the decision-making improves when it matters most, the cycle looks set to continue.
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