Salman Ali Agha Archives

Pakistan ‘good enough to beat India’ in final, says Salman Ali Agha

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha hailed the team’s performance and expressed confidence ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played on Sunday.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha called Pakistan’s special team after securing a narrow win over Bangladesh while issuing a bold statement on the clash against arch-rivals.

“Very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them,” he said.

“If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in, ” he said. “The way Shaheen bowled and the way Haris bowled up front, it was special. We are finding ways to win.”

He aimed for a better display in the final against arch-rivals while shedding light on the total and playing conditions.

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“There are ways to improve, but we will be better in the final. We were 10-15 runs short – no way I am going to deny that. If we bowl the way we did up front, we will create pressure,” he explained.

“When you create pressure up front, it is tough to chase it down. Bowled well with the new ball, and once you bowl like this with the new ball, you win more often. We have been fielding really well,” the skipper continued.

Highlighting the team’s fielding under the new coach Shane McDermott, he mentioned the hard work and Mike Hesson’s motivation and focus on fielding.

“Since Shane came, we have been working really hard. Mike, our coach said whoever cannot field, cannot be in the team – so everyone is working very hard with Shane and I am happy with how everyone is fielding.

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WATCH: Salman Ali Agha, team management console bereaved Wellalage

ABU DHABI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and team management expressed their heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage following the sudden death of his father.

Salman, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, PCB Chief Operating Manager Sumair Ahmed Syed, board advisor Salman Naseer, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, offered condolences to Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video on its social media handles in which the captain and management were seen consoling the 22-year-old.

Dunith Wellalage father, Suranga Wellalage, was a former first-class cricketer. He passed away last week during Sri Lanka’s group stage fixture against Afghanistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

After attending his father’s funeral, Dunith Wellalage rejoined the national squad for their Super Four fixture against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka lost.

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The 22-year-old all-rounder also penned an emotional note and took to Instagram to express his grief while extending gratitude to everyone who supported him through the tragedy.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me and my family during the most painful time of my life, after the passing of my beloved father,” Wellalage wrote.

“Losing him has left a void that can never be filled, but the love, strength, and support I received gave me the courage to keep moving forward.”

He especially thanked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), his sponsors, law enforcement authorities, medical staff, as well as his former schools and clubs for standing by his family.

The young spinner vowed to continue chasing his cricketing dreams to fulfill his father’s wish. “My father’s dream was for me to continue this journey, and with all of you beside me, I will do everything I can to honor him,” he said.

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Skipper Agha chasing ‘perfect game’ despite win over Sri Lanka

ABU DHABI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted concern over losing wickets in the middle overs after his side’s win over Sri Lanka.

Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by five wickets to bag a crucial win in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.

During the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha rued the collapse in the middle overs and highlighted their performance in previous matches of the Asia Cup 2025.

“Cannot say it was a perfect game. We lost four wickets in three overs, but apart from that, it could be a perfect game, but we need to stop doing that. We have been doing that since Sharjah, and we need to stop that,” he said.

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The skipper praised fielding coach Shane McDermott for his hard work with the players.

“He (Shane McDermott) has been working with players really hard. We have named him a rockstar, and are working hard with him,” Salman remarked.

The 31-year-old heaped praise on Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi, calling them vital in the team’s win.

“He (Shaheen) has been outstanding since he came back. He has been bowling well for last so many years. He is an asset and a match-winner, and he is showing that every now and then.

That is why we play so many all-rounders because nowadays, the game demands so many options in batting and bowling. I am very happy for him. Knowing him for several years, he has been working hard on his game and really happy for him,” he concluded while praising Hussain Talat.

READ: Hussain Talat reflects on match-winning performance against Sri Lanka

‘Yet to play a perfect game,’ admits Salman Ali Agha after India defeat

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up after his side’s six wicket defeat against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

This was Pakistan’s second loss against India in a week, having previously beaten by seven wicket in the group stage fixtures of the continental tournament.

For India, it was Abhishek Sharma ruthless knock that steered them to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan was the lone-bright star, scoring 58 off 45 balls.

Speaking in the post match press-presentation, Agha said that Pakistan is yet to play at their best while mentioning that India took the game away in the powerplay.

“We are yet to play a perfect game, but we’re getting there. It was a great contest, though they really took the game away in the powerplay,” he said.

The skipper mentioned they were 10-15 runs short, particularly after the start they have got in the first 10 overs.

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“We didn’t put enough runs on the board. At 91/2 after 10 overs, we should have pushed for 10–15 more. Still, 171 is a challenging total.

“Credit to them — their powerplay batting made the difference in the end.
In T20 cricket, if your bowlers are going for runs, you have to make changes. It’s about finding the right man at the right time,” Agha explained.

Despite the defeat, he remained confident, emphasizing the players contributions as a plus point and backed Pakistan for their next game against Sri Lanka.

“There are positives for us. Fakhar and Farhan batted well, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf bowled strongly.

We’re still very much in it and looking forward to our next game against Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Shaheen, Rauf engage in war of words with Sharma

Former Pakistan skipper questions Salman Ali Agha’s post-match comments

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed surprise over the post-match remarks of national T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha following victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

After hours of uncertainty over whether the game would go ahead, Pakistan eventually took the field for their final group-stage clash and secured a commanding 41-run win to book their place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Pakistan managed 146-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and a late rescue act from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 110-7 in the 17th over.

But Shaheen’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, lifted the side to a competitive total, which the bowlers comfortably defended.

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While reflecting on the performance, Salman Ali Agha admitted in the post-match presentation that Pakistan’s batting remains a work in progress, particularly in the middle overs.

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” Agha said.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition.”

However, Misbah-ul-Haq offered a contrasting view, pointing out that Pakistan’s struggles often start right at the top rather than in the middle phase of the innings.

“It was very surprising to hear Agha say the problem lies in the middle overs. For me, our issues begin from the start,” Misbah said in an interview with a local sports platform.

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“Almost every game we lose our first two wickets early, so we’re effectively two down before the innings even settles.”

He further explained that this early collapse leaves Pakistan exposed once spinners come into the attack.

“In these conditions, once the circle opens up and spinners operate, scoring becomes tricky. If you’re already 0–2, then you’re going nowhere,” he added.

Pakistan, having sealed their spot in the Super Four, will now meet arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Asia Cup encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

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Confident Salman eyes India clash after win over UAE

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha vowed to improve middle-overs batting, stating that his side is ready for the India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super fours.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman emphasized the middle overs, highlighting them as a concern.

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“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” he said.

The 31-year-old praised Shaheen Afridi, who played a crucial role with an all-around performance.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet…we’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot–he’s already great with the ball,” he remarked.

Regarding the India clash, the skipper mentioned Pakistan’s performance in the past few months, stressing on

“Saim is someone who has been bringing us back into games and I hope he can continue like this till the end. We’re ready for any challenge and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

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Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cancel press-conference ahead of UAE clash

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cancelled the pre-match press conference ahead of the UAE clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

This comes in the light of the handshake row after the India clash. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s training session is proceeding as scheduled.

“Pakistan will not be holding their pre-match press conference today,” the tournament organisers confirmed in a statement ahead of Pakistan’s match against the UAE on Wednesday.

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

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“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

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Mike Hesson reveals why Salman Ali Agha skipped post-match interview

DUBAI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson opened up on skipper Salman Ali Agha not participating in the post-match interview after the clash against India here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set a partly 128-run target, India comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of three wickets in 15.5 overs.

India started off with a flyer as Abhishek Sharma made 31 off just 13 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries. The audacious knock from the left-hander set the tone for the coming batters to milk Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Despite Saim Ayub dismissing Shubman Gill (10) and Sharma inside the powerplay, untroubled India cruised through the chase courtesy of a 56-run stand between Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma.

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Suryakumar remained unbeaten, scoring 47* off 37 balls, an innings laced with five boundaries and a six.

Interestingly, the drama unfolded when both teams avoided a customary handshake at the end of the match.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands during the toss.

Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, Hesson expressed disappointment over the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands.

“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We obviously were disappointed that you know our opposition didn’t do that, and we sort of went over there to shake hands, and they’d already gone into the changing room”, he told reporters.

“So that was a disappointing way for the match to finish match,” he added.

Regarding Salman Ali Agha’s post-match interview, he revealed that it was the consequence of India’s refusal to shake hands.

“I think it’s just a flow-on effect of the fact that you know we were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match, that didn’t happen, and you know that was pretty much the end of it,” he concluded.

READ: Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason behind no-handshake in India-Pakistan clash

Asia Cup 2025: Salman Ali Agha faces injury scare ahead of Oman clash

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha raised slight fitness concerns on Wednesday ahead of the ACC Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman.

Salman sat out a major portion of the team’s training session at the ICC Academy due to a neck spasm.

He was spotted with a bandage around his neck and appeared cautious with his movements.

Unlike his teammates, who went through stretching drills, warm-ups, and a light football routine, the captain avoided putting any pressure on himself.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed through its media manager that Salman is suffering from a mild spasm, stressing that there are no serious fitness concerns.

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His absence from the session was precautionary, and he is expected to resume full training soon.

Team management remains confident that the captain will be fully fit for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures, including the high-stakes clash against India on September 14.

The development comes just after Pakistan clinched the tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah, where they defended a modest 142-run total to bundle out Afghanistan for just 66 runs in the final.

The men in green will now begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

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Pakistan captain gives bold statement ahead of India clash

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha brushed aside suggestions of toning down emotions when his side faces India in the Asia Cup 2025, saying he doesn’t believe in curbing aggression on the field.

With the highly anticipated Pakistan–India clash always carrying extra pressure, Agha was asked if he had given his players any special instructions to control their temper.

“Aggression is part of the game. Every player is different in how they express it,” he said during the captain’s press conference.

“Fast bowlers are usually hot-headed, and if they want to be aggressive, they should be. That’s the fun of cricket. I don’t give any special instructions to hide or avoid aggression, as long as it remains within the ground,” he added.

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Pakistan came into the Asia Cup having recently won the tri-series in the UAE with Afghanistan and the hosts, something Salman Ali Agha believes was key preparation for the continental tournament.

“This is an important event for us. We’ve been playing good cricket for the past few months, and this is the first major tournament for many of our players. We’re excited, and our main goal is to win the Asia Cup,” he added.

“In this format, the game can change in one or two overs. That’s why no team can be considered a favorite.”

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