Tag: Salman Ali Agha

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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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

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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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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SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha echoed a similar statement regarding Mohammad Nawaz, who was labeled as the match-winner by former captain Babar Azam. 

In 2022, Pakistan skipper at that time Babar Azam called all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz his match-winner following the side’s defeat to India in the tense ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 fixture.

Mohammad Nawaz had to defend 15 runs in the final over of the crunch match against India in Melbourne. He took the wicket of Hardik Pandya. However, it was not enough for him to seal the victory for his side.

Talking to the players after the game, Babar Azam addressed Muhammad Nawaz and praised his efforts in the match.

“You are my match winner,” he had said. “I will always believe in you. You will win matches for me. The efforts were really good.”

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Now, Salman Ali Agha has echoed similar sentiments of ace batter Babar Azam.

“If Babar Azam says it, then he must be right. The kind of performance Mohammad Nawaz has given, particularly after making his way back into the team, is commendable.

“If you watch the series against the West Indies and against Bangladesh, he has performed outstandingly well,” he added.

He lauded Nawaz’s all-round contribution in the team, hailing him as a game-changer.

“He gives you such a margin that it seems like we are playing with twelve players on the team. He is a real match-winner,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

For context, Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan seal the tri-series triumph over Afghanistan by a hefty margin of 75 runs.

Nawaz was pivotal in Pakistan success, taking a hat-trick-laced five-wicket haul that demolished the Afghanistan batting lineup.

Not only that, he also contributed with the bat, making a vital knock of 25 from 21 balls at the crucial stage of the game, which provided Pakistan a late flurry in the first innings.

He was eventually named the Player of the Series for his all-round performance. During the T20I tri-series, Nawaz took 10 wickets and made 120 runs in five matches.

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SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised Mohammad Nawaz after his heroics against Afghanistan in the final of the tri-series here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set 142, Afghanistan crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs, handing Pakistan a massive 75-run victory.

After the match, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the pitch and Pakistan’s total.

“It was the kind of wicket where even 130-140 was always going to be challenging, and once we got there, we knew it would be tough for them,” he remarked.

He lauded Mohammad Nawaz for his performance, expressing immense confidence in him during difficult situations.

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“Since Nawaz’s comeback, he’s been outstanding, performing brilliantly in all departments. For me, he’s the guy I can rely on in tough situations,” he said.

The 31-year-old spoke about playing eleven and going with two spinners in the final

“People often ask us – former cricketers, fans on social media – why we don’t play two spinners? We select based on conditions, and today it worked,” he revealed.

“We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup, and we’ve done that. We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup,” he concluded.

READ: Mohammad Nawaz reflects on match-winning performance in tri-series final

SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shared his thoughts after his side’s defeat against Afghanistan in the fourth fixture of the tri-series clash here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

In pursuit of a 170-run target, Pakistan could only muster 151-9 in their allocated 20 overs.

Afghanistan’s spinners put pressure on Pakistan during the middle overs. This was evident when Haris Rauf hit a six off Rashid’s over, marking their first boundary since the third ball of the eighth over, aside from four byes in the 11th over.

Pakistan stumbled in the chase, with Haris Rauf top-scoring with an unbeaten 34* off 16 balls laced with four towering sixes.

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For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two wickets, whereas Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi picked up two scalps each to seal a thrilling win.

Following the match, Salman shed light on the team’s performance, rueing the middle-overs where they lost too many wickets.

“I think 170 was gettable. Thought the bowlers did a good job. We lost too many wickets in the middle overs. After eight overs, we were going well, but we lost many wickets,” he said.

He also lauded Afghanistan spinners, calling them a threat once they got their mark.

“When you lose that many wickets, it becomes very difficult. They (the Afghanistan spinners) are quality spinners. If you give any sniff to them, they are good enough to grab it. If we did not lose that many wickets in the middle overs, it could have been a different story,” he concluded.

READ: Fakhar Zaman joins Babar Azam in elite list in Pakistan-Afghanistan tri-series clash

SHARJAH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has called for improved death bowling after his side’s 31-run victory over UAE in the second encounter of the tri-series clash here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

In pursuit of a daunting 208-run target, UAE could only muster 176-8 in their allocated 20 overs. Asif Khan remained the standout batter for the hosts, playing a sublime knock.

Asif made 77 runs from just 35 balls, an innings featuring half a dozen fours and sixes.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali picked up three wickets; however, he went for 47 in his four overs. Mohammad Nawaz remained the pick of the bowlers with his two wickets, giving away only 21 runs in his quota of four overs.

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In batting, Hasan Nawaz (56) and Saim Ayub (69) stood tall with brisk knocks, which eventually powered Green Shirts to a winning total.

After the match, Salman Ali Agha emphasized the need for improvement in bowling during the last phase of the innings, stating that they must do better.

“It was a perfect batting game. First 15 overs with the bowling we were good, but the last five overs we need to work on. It’s something we have been working on but yeah we need to get better,” he said.

“I think our death bowling is something we are working on and it’s concerning. We need to be better in the next game, but overall we have been playing really well, and this is how we want to continue playing.”

Agha hailed Hasan Nawaz as a generational talent, highlighting his contribution while stressing the need to improve his game.

“I have been saying that [Hasan Nawaz] is a generational talent and has a great future. He has to keep working on his game and keep improving,” he remarked.

READ: Saim, Hasan and Nawaz power Pakistan to victory over UAE

SHARJAH: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha remained optimistic of the national team’s chances for the best outcome in the tri-series featuring hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan.

Agha shared his thoughts on the team’s preparations during a joint press conference alongside the captains of the UAE and Afghanistan.

“Our team has performed well in the last couple of series. When we go out to play, we think of winning the game,” he said.

“Former cricketers and fans have their own opinions about us, and it’s good to have opinions. A new team is being formed, and we will play good cricket,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of leadership and weather conditions in Sharjah.

“It is always an honor and a responsibility to be a captain of a team. There is no problem with the hot weather in Sharjah.

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“As a player, this cannot be an excuse. Our performance is improving with each passing day. The national team is currently moving in the right direction,” he concluded.

For context, Pakistan will play Afghanistan in the tri-series opener tomorrow at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The T20I series will be played from 29 August to 7 September at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.

This series will serve as a launching pad for the teams to prepare for and acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the eight-team ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from 9 to 28 September.

Tri-series schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium)

• 29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 7 September – Final – 7pm local time

READ: Trophy for Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE T20I tri-series revealed

DUBAI: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Salman Mirza praised T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, expressing confidence in his leadership.

Mirza spoke to the media on Sunday after training for the upcoming tri-nation series, which involves Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Reflecting on the recent camp and practice matches, Mirza said the squad had used the time well to adapt to conditions and sharpen their plans.

“Alhamdulillah, the sessions have gone really well. We’ve had quality practice and match time, which has helped us settle into the environment. This opportunity will benefit us a lot moving forward,” he said.

Clarifying his role in the side, the 31-year-old dismissed suggestions of being an all-rounder.

“I don’t see myself as an all-rounder. Yes, I can bat a bit, but my primary role is bowling. That said, if the match situation demands it, I should be able to finish games with the bat as well,” he added.

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Mirza also praised Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, hailing his calm temperament and positive approach.

“Salman Agha is very composed. Even in tough moments, he avoids putting pressure on players,” he said.

“He discusses issues later in a constructive way, which is a great quality for a leader. Every captain has a starting point, and though this is his first assignment, we’re confident about him.”

Looking ahead to the Asia Cup, the pacer brushed aside the hype around the Pakistan-India clash, stressing equal focus on all opponents.

“Pressure games like India help you grow, but it’s not just them. Other teams are equally competitive, and we’re preparing for everyone. Our preparations are on track, and Insha’Allah, you’ll see good results,” Mirza said.

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