For Pakistan cricket, 2025 was a year of mixed fortunes. The established core – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi – faced inconsistency, fitness issues or selection absences. Across 56 international matches, the team’s record of 30 wins and 26 losses reflected this instability.

Amid the flux, one player stood immovable across all formats, oppositions and conditions: Salman Ali Agha.

The 32-year-old from Lahore, an international cricketer only since 2022, became Pakistan’s man for all seasons. While debates raged over the form and availability of the ‘Big Four,’ Salman’s place was never in doubt – a testament to his relentless performance, fitness, and chameleon-like adaptability.

His value was formally recognised with a promotion to full-time T20I captain for the New Zealand series in March, succeeding Mohammad Rizwan. Salman had already been groomed for leadership, serving as vice-captain on tours to Australia and Zimbabwe in late 2024. When Rizwan was unavailable, he stepped up to captain four T20Is – a trial by fire that he passed convincingly. Of his 40 career T20I appearances, an impressive 38 have been as captain, including all 34 matches in 2025.

Yet, his most staggering statistic is one of sheer presence: he was the only player to feature in all 56 of Pakistan’s matches across all formats. This ironman durability dwarfed the contributions of his more storied teammates – Babar (30 matches), Rizwan (22), Shaheen (35) – and starkly contrasted with Shadab’s year-long absence due to shoulder surgery.

In this marathon season, Salman aggregated 1,569 runs with two centuries and nine half-centuries. He compiled 277 runs in five Tests, 667 in 17 ODIs, and 625 in 34 T20Is, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

A key factor in his indispensability has been his batting flexibility.

He manned the crucial No.7 position in eight of his ten Test innings. In ODIs, he was the stabiliser at No.5. His T20I role was even more dynamic: leading from the front, he batted at No.3 or No.4 in 22 innings, yet selflessly demoted himself when the situation demanded.

His standout performances were pivotal.

In Tests, his gritty 93 against South Africa in Lahore rescued Pakistan from 199 for five, paving the way for a series-winning victory. His two ODI centuries were match-winning: a 103-ball 134 to chase down 352 against South Africa, and an 87-ball 105* to secure a tense six-run win over Sri Lanka. In T20Is, his three half-centuries against New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan were all in commanding victories.

While batting is his primary strength, Salman proved a more-than-useful bowler, providing crucial, frugal overs across formats – even while captaining the side.

OTHER PROMINENT PERFORMERS IN 2025

While Salman Ali Agha outshone all, several other players produced notable performances.

Babar Azam broke an 83-match century drought, scoring his 20th ODI ton to join Saeed Anwar, and ended as the second-highest run-scorer with 1,065 runs. He was followed by Mohammad Rizwan (929 runs), Fakhar Zaman (881) and the emerging Sahibzada Farhan (771 runs in T20Is).

In the all-rounders department, Mohammad Nawaz established himself as the most consistent, scoring 494 runs and taking 43 wickets in white-ball cricket. Saim Ayub emerged reliably with 817 runs and 25 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf contributed 350 runs and 30 wickets.

With the ball, wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed led the attack with 53 wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi remained a key weapon with 47 scalps.

In Tests, the spin trio of Noman Ali (30 wickets in 4 Tests), Sajid Khan (14), and debutant Asif Afridi (7) provided potency at home.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

Pakistan will enter the new year with renewed hope, particularly for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka – conditions akin to home. The development of a variety of white-ball players provides a deeper squad.

The biggest challenge, however, will be the three-Test series in England. With the experienced Shan Masood (397 runs in five Tests in 2025) and the composed Saud Shakeel (269 runs in five Tests in 2025) finding form, the team has a foundation to build upon.

If they can translate home success into away resilience, 2026 could see Pakistan cricket consolidate the promise forged in a turbulent 2025.