Tag: Salman Ali Agha

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has voiced admiration for India’s opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of their marquee showdown in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing hope that the left-hander recovers in time to feature in Sunday’s contest.

Speaking on the eve of the high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Agha made it clear that Pakistan want to test themselves against India at full strength, underlining Sharma’s growing stature in international cricket.

“Abhishek is obviously a quality player. I hope he’s recovering well and is available because we want to compete against the best team they have,” Agha said during the pre-match press conference.

The Indian opener had missed his side’s previous outing after being hospitalised with a stomach infection, though India still secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia.

Sharma has enjoyed notable success against Pakistan, scoring 110 runs in three matches at a striking rate of 189.65, making his availability a key talking point ahead of the clash.

Addressing another subject, Salman Ali Agha dismissed ongoing chatter around the bowling action of spinner Usman Tariq, reiterating that he has already been cleared.

“There has been talk about Usman Tariq’s action, but he has been cleared twice. I don’t know why the discussion continues. It does not affect him at all,” the skipper stated.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Pakistan captain also emphasised collective responsibility within the squad, highlighting the importance of flexibility and bench strength.

“We are ready to play good cricket. We understand the conditions and the pitch. All 15 players are important, and anyone can play,” he said, confirming that the final XI will be decided after assessing the surface.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical struggles against India in World Cups, Salman Ali Agha admitted the past has not always been favourable but stressed that the team is focused on learning and improving.

“Our record hasn’t been great, but we have learned from history and will try to play well tomorrow,” he noted.

When asked about India’s strong batting lineup and the form of Babar Azam, Agha remained calm and confident, insisting Pakistan are focused on their own execution.

“Babar is scoring runs, and it is not a concern for us. Hopefully, he continues tomorrow as well,” he said with a composed smile.

READ: Lorcan Tucker helps Ireland crush Oman at T20 World Cup 2026

COLOMBO: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stressed the importance of bowling better in the Powerplay despite a resounding 32-run win over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed USA by 20 runs in their second match of the mega event while chasing a daunting 191.

Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, scoring 73 from 41 balls. His batting performance was backed by a disciplined bowling display with Usman Tariq taking three wickets.

Babar Azam and Shadab Khan also chipped in with the bat, powering Pakistan to a strong total of 190-9.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha lauded a resounding performance, noting that they have quality bowlers in the lineup who could defend totals.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Clinical performance, we started well with the bat and batted really well in the middle. When we come to bowling, we have a world-class attack and scoring 190, we know we could defend that,” he remarked.

“I would have batted as well, if we score 160-170, we know we can defend that. We are Pakistani, we do it differently. We are comfortable chasing, but we try to bat first and put up above par, then try to defend,” he added.

The skipper emphasized the middle-order, stressing the need to bowl better in the Powerplay.

“We have a flexible order, first three ready to go and then finishers can go early, or if we lose wickets we have batters who can take the game deeper. Always room for improvement, we’d like to bowl better in the powerplay, be more clinical. These are the things we want to improve,” he explained.

Pakistan will play their next fixture against India at RPS, Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand suffer major injury blow

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, on Friday, emphasised that team selection will be determined strictly by merit, with no senior player, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, guaranteed a spot in the Playing XI.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands, Agha emphasised that the team’s priority is to field the combination best suited to winning.

“We have arrived as a 15-member squad, and we will try to play the combination that is best for the team. Even if a senior player, whether Fakhar or Babar, does not fit into the combination, we will not play them,” he said.

“Fakhar and Babar have given great performances for Pakistan for years. I fully support them, but we will make the Playing XI only based on what is good for the team.”

Agha also expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and mindset, insisting there is no pressure ahead of the opening games.

“Our preparation has been very good. We will try to win every match and believe we can lift the World Cup,” he added.

The captain also voiced frustration over off-field topics dominating press conferences, calling for discussions to remain focused on cricket.

“Lately, there have been too many questions that are not about cricket. We are here as sportsmen and want to talk only about the game. We try to keep our focus on cricket and not let outside factors affect us,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that the weather could be a factor in Sri Lanka, but insisted it was beyond the team’s control.

“You cannot fight the weather or rain; it is not in our control. What is in our control is our performance, and we will try to deliver in all matches. Our focus is on winning our games,” he said.

He also backed spinner Usman Tariq, whose bowling action has come under scrutiny, calling him an X-factor for Pakistan.

“I don’t understand why there is so much talk about his action. His action has already been cleared twice. Usman Tariq is an X-factor for us, and we will use him whenever we feel we need him,” Agha said.

The captain confirmed he will continue to bat at number three.

“I am performing well at number three, so I will continue to bat there. There is no need to change it,” he said.

On the strategy against the Netherlands, the Pakistan captain highlighted the importance of executing plans against teams Pakistan does not face regularly.

“We do not play against teams like the Netherlands very often, so we must remain careful. We have played good cricket over the past six months, and now it is about executing our plans,” he concluded.

READ: Colombo weather update ahead of Pakistan vs Netherlands

COLOMBO: Pakistan men’s cricket team will seek advice from their government if they meet arch-rivals India in the knockout phase of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, captain Salman Ali Agha said on Thursday.

The tournament has been marred by an acrimonious political build‑up after Bangladesh were kicked out and Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A match.

However, a semi-final or final showdown between the uneasy South Asian neighbours is still a possibility.

“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision, and if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we will go back to them and act on their advice,” Agha told reporters in Colombo.

Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security concerns, as relations soured and were kicked out of Group C by the International Cricket Council (ICC), to be replaced by Scotland.

Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s plea to have their games moved to Sri Lanka.

The government in Islamabad cleared the national team to take part but ordered them not to play in the marquee group match against India on February 15.

“It’s sad Bangladesh are not here. They have a very good side. Hopefully, they will support us,” Agha said.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade, and meet only in multinational events.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

They will face Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA) in the group stage.

“We’re excited to play in this tournament. We lost to the USA in the last World Cup, and we are determined to put that disappointment behind us and put a few things right,” Agha said.

Pakistan will not only lose two points for forfeiting their India match but will also take a big hit to their net run rate.

Even losing one of their group games to bad weather could make it difficult for Pakistan to qualify.

“We know the margin for error is small, but we can’t control the weather. We are here to play good cricket, and we’re not bothered about the conditions,” Agha said.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, arrive after a 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home.

“We’ve been playing really good cricket. We haven’t lost a series since the Asia Cup last year. Everything is coming along nicely, and we’re confident of doing well,” Agha said.

All of Pakistan’s games will be played in Sri Lanka, where they toured in January.

“Very happy to play in Sri Lanka, it’s a second home for me. This is my sixth visit, we know the conditions, and we get a lot of support,” Agha said.

READ: Nasser Hussain slams ICC, backs Pakistan, Bangladesh in T20 World Cup dispute

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has finally settled the ongoing debate over the national team’s first-choice wicketkeeper ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan have experimented with several wicketkeepers since Mohammad Rizwan was dropped from T20Is after the South Africa tour in December 2024.

Mohammad Haris took over for much of 2025 before being replaced by Usman Khan, whose performances have occasionally been inconsistent, prompting scrutiny from fans and analysts.

Young batter Khawaja Nafay has also kept wickets in his brief T20I stint and is included in the World Cup squad, keeping the competition open.

Speaking after the third T20I against Australia, Salman Ali Agha underlined the team management’s confidence in Usman Khan and praised his match-winning contributions with the bat.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Our Usman is the number one wicketkeeper. In the last match, his performance was excellent; he scored 50 runs at a position that helped the team reach 198, because I got out at that time,” Agha said.

The captain highlighted Usman’s balance as a player, combining aggressive batting with reliable glovework.

“A team needs a batter who can score runs at a good strike rate, and he is our first-choice player for that reason,” Agha added.

“His keeping has been outstanding since his comeback, and I think he has been exceptional with the bat as well. He remains our first-choice player in both roles.”

Usman Khan has so far featured in 31 T20Is for Pakistan, accumulating 414 runs at a strike rate of 120.69, including two half-centuries.

READ: Huge blow for Real Madrid as Jude Bellingham set for month out

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has shared the strategic reason for replacing Babar Azam at the No. 3 spot in the batting order ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Agha took the No. 3 position from Babar Azam during the Sri Lanka series and played a blinder during the rain-hit third T20I.

The right-hander was on the verge of breaking Pakistan’s fastest fifty record, scoring 45 off just 12 balls, including three sixes and five fours.

In the first T20I against Australia played today at the Gaddafi Stadium, Salman also came to the fore when the home side lost Sahibzada Farhan for a duck on only the second ball of the innings.

The 32-year-old hit 39 from 27 deliveries, striking four sixes and a boundary.

Overall, Salman has batted at the this position in seven matches, accumulating 216 runs at a strike rate of 161.19 — a stark contrast to his overall T20 career strike rate which is 118.32.

After sealing a 22 run win over Australia in the first of three T20I matches, Agha emphasized batting and clinical bowling performance.

“It was a great game. We started well with the bat but couldn’t finish the way we wanted. It became challenging after the first ten overs as the ball stopped coming onto the bat, but I think we were outstanding with the ball,” he said.

The skipper said that he will be permanently taking up the one down position in a bid to capitalize on spin bowling with an eye on Sri Lanka conditions in T20 World Cup 2026.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Yes, I’ll be batting at number three. We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the powerplay. That’s why I moved up, and that is where I’ll stay,” he maintained.

Pakistan were once on course of scoring 200; however Australia curtailed their innings to 168 at the end of 20 overs.

“To be honest, I felt 170 was enough. Given how we were placed after ten overs, we probably could have scored 15 more, but I knew 170 would be plenty on this pitch because our spin bowling is outstanding,” Agha said regarding the team’s total.

Salman Ali Agha also lavished praised on spinners, particularly Abrar Ahmed and expressed confidence ahead of the mega event.

“Abrar has been outstanding since his debut. Since the Asia Cup, our spin bowling has been doing really well for us; they are winning us games day in and day out. Hopefully, they can continue this form through to the World Cup,” he concluded.

READ: Saim Ayub reveals game-plan after Australia victory

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday came out strongly in defence of star batter Babar Azam ahead of the national team’s three-match series against Australia, set to begin on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Salman addressed the media in Lahore a day before the opening match of the three-game series, which will be played from January 29 to February 1 at the same venue.

During the press conference, Salman was asked whether Babar could regain form after a below-par Big Bash League (BBL) 15 campaign for Sydney Sixers, where he scored 202 runs in 11 matches, averaging 22.44 with a strike rate of 103.06.

However, the Pakistan captain dismissed the concern, stating that Babar’s performances for Pakistan matter more than what he does in the BBL, insisting the franchise cricket form should not be used to judge his value.

“I wish someday I attend a press conference and not get asked about Babar Azam,” Salman said. “You [media] need to leave him and let him play his game, and also focus on other players.”

“Look, I agree Babar did not play as per expectations in the BBL, but for us, he has been a proven performer always, so I have no issues. For me, it only matters how he plays for Pakistan. What he does in the BBL does not matter to me.”

Babar, who remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters in the format, played eight T20Is in 2025, scoring 206 runs at an impressive average of 34.33, including two half-centuries.

His strike rate, however, remained under scrutiny, standing at 114.44.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Salman Ali Agha also spoke about Pakistan’s approach in home conditions, highlighting how scoring patterns change depending on pitches and match situations.

“We have scored more than 200 in these conditions as well, you can see last year’s Bangladesh series,” he said. “But when you don’t get that kind of batting condition, then scoring big becomes difficult.”

The Pakistan captain stressed that modern T20 cricket has become highly competitive, leaving no room for complacency.

“In T20 cricket, there is no big or small team,” Salman said. “In international cricket, no team is easy.”

Calling the Australia series “very important,” Salman said Pakistan would look to address the shortcomings in their game and execute roles according to conditions.

“This series against Australia is very important,” he said. “We will try to cover the gaps in our game. We all know our roles, how we have to play according to the conditions.”

Notably, the three-match T20I series will serve as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Jason Gillespie appointed head coach of PSL’s new Hyderabad franchise

DAMBULLA: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha urged the need for a better performance with the ball during the final overs after a series-levelling defeat against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I.

Sri Lanka levelled the three-match series 1-1 after defeating Pakistan by 14 runs in the rain-hit game, which was reduced to 12 overs per side.

Set 161, here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan fell short of the target despite Agha’s brisk 45 off just 12 balls.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the shortcomings of the match, stating that they need to improve in some departments.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It was a great game. We gave away too many with the ball, but the batting was great,” he said.

“Fielding needs to be great. The way the batting unit went to it, the game could have gone either way,” he continued.

The skipper also talked about death bowling, where Pakistan leaked 51 runs in the last three overs, which shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Dasun Shanaka played a blind cameo of 34 from nine, which included five sixes.

“With the ball, we need to be better in the death overs,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a match winnig spell of four overs, scalping four wickets in his three overs.

READ: Kamran Akmal slams ‘unfair’ treatment of Mustafizur Rahman

DAMBULLA: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up after his side’s victory over Sri Lanka, urging his side to be consistent in the field ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan sealed a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series opener played here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The Green Shirts remained clinical throughout the match with a dominant performance with the bat and ball.

Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza picked up three wickets to bundle out Sri Lanka for a modest 127-run total in 19.4 overs.

The bowling effort was backed by Sahibzada Farhan’s brisk half-century, who made 51 from 36 balls as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.4 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Agha reflected on the match outcome, stating that the toss played a vital role in the team’s victory.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting dew because of the weather. It was cloudy, so I thought it wouldn’t come into play.

But looking back now, the toss turned out to be really important because a lot of dew settled in after five or six hours of play, and that made a big difference later on.” he said in the post-match presentation,” he remarked.

The skipper highlighted the team’s fielding and emphasized the upcoming fixtures and the series against Australia.

“Looking ahead, with the T20I World Cup coming up, we have a fair idea of what we want to do as a team. We still have two games here and then three at home against Australia, so we want to keep building. We know the roles we want, but we also want to try different players in those roles and see how they respond.

“Fielding is one area I really want us to improve in, and I want to see consistency there game after game, especially going into the next match,” he concluded.

READ: Farhan, bowlers power Pakistan to victory over Sri Lanka

LAHORE: T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha will headline the star-studded lineup of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) second global roadshow in New York, USA.

Apart from Agha, five other players, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel, will add sparkle to the event.

The announcement came via the Pakistan Cricket Board’s website, with the event scheduled for 13 December at 4p.m.

“The New York Roadshow is part of the PCB’s global outreach strategy aimed at engaging with international investors ahead of the auction of two HBL PSL franchises, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 6 January 2026,” the board said in a press release.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The initiative is designed to highlight the league’s commercial strength, global following, and long-term growth potential,” it added.

The press release also mentioned inquiring about details by emailing [email protected].

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Super League (@thepsl)

This will be the second PSL roadshow in a week, with the previous one held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on December 7.

Ace batter Babar Azam, former captain Wasim Akram, and opener Sahibzada Farhan, Haris Rauf, commentator Ramiz Raja, and singer Ali Zafar headlined the event.

It is pertinent to mention that PSL, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

Notably, the league expanded to five teams in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans.

With the addition of two new teams, the league will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, taking the total to eight teams.

READ: Pakistan Army completes century of golds in National Games