Tag: Salman Ali Agha

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has explained why he did not bowl in the recently concluded three-match series against the West Indies.

Pakistan clinched the series 2-1 after sealing a 13-run win in the final T20I at Central Broward Regional Park.

Speaking during the post-series press conference, Salman explained that the series was part of a larger roadmap focused on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“We are playing every series with the T20 World Cup [2025] in mind,” he said.

“We had a home and away series against Bangladesh, now this one against the West Indies, and after this, we have a tri-series followed by the Asia Cup.

“All of this is preparation for the World Cup.”

He further praised the batting displays across the past few series, particularly in conditions that were not the easiest to bat in.

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“The way our batters performed recently, especially here in the West Indies, that will help us in the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup,” he added.

“Because UAE conditions will be much better than these.”

Salman Ali Agha, who had taken charge as T20I captain earlier this year, did not roll his arm over in any of the matches against the West Indies, raising a few eyebrows.

When asked about not bowling himself during the series, he said the decision was strategic, keeping match-ups and pressure dynamics in mind.

“I didn’t bowl because Saim Ayub was doing really well from one end. There was a moment when two left-handers were at the crease, and I did consider bowling, but you have to manage the pressure from both ends,” he explained.

“Saim was bowling well throughout, and to create pressure from the other end, we needed to bring in Sufiyan Muqeem.

“That’s why I didn’t bowl. But going forward, you will see me bowling.”

READ: PCB Chairman lauds Pakistan’s T20I series win over West Indies

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha opened up after his side’s last-ball defeat against West Indies in the second match of the series here at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground.

West Indies managed to secure a win on the last ball, ending a six-match losing streak in the shorter format of the game.

Chasing a modest 134, West Indies wobbled early, courtesy of Mohammad Nawaz, who struck twice in his first two overs.

Captain Agha Salman rotated his spinners smartly, and Saim Ayub delivered next, sending back Sherfane Rutherford (9) before Nawaz returned to dismiss Shai Hope (21), making it 53 for 4 by the 11th over.

With the West Indies needing 36 off the last 18 balls, Holder and Romario Shepherd calmly plotted the chase.

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Holder pounced on a wayward Hasan over to ease the pressure, and though Shaheen Afridi removed Shepherd in the final over, the experienced all-rounder sealed the win with a boundary off the last ball.

Jason Holder starred with the bat and bowl, remaining unbeaten on 16 off 10 and scalping four wickets to take his team to a much-needed series-levelling victory.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha highlighted powerplay batting and praised bowlers for showing grit despite defending a low total.

“In this game, we batted well in the powerplay but we couldn’t finish the game. (on bowlers) We bowled really well, but there is always room to improve,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of better bowling in the last stage of the game, lauding the spinners and backing them to excel in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025.

“I think we can bowl better at death. 130 was never enough but they fought really well and I am proud of (bowlers). The way spinners bowled in both games, we are ready for Asia Cup, and they will come into play in Dubai,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

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LAUDERHILL: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha credited his side’s all-round performance for the 14-run victory against the West Indies in the opening match of the three-game T20I series at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium on Friday.

Saim Ayub put in a solid all-round performance, and Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets in one over to lead Pakistan to a dominant victory.

Addressing the media after the match, Agha praised his team’s composure across all departments and pinpointed the key moments that turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

“It was a great game. We assessed the conditions well, batted, and finished strongly. We started well with the ball, dominated the middle overs, and the spinners were outstanding,” he said.

Despite going wicketless in the powerplay, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the team’s ability to maintain control and stay patient.

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He particularly praised Mohammad Nawaz’s 11th over, which proved decisive. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets in that over, halting the West Indies’ momentum and shifting the balance firmly towards Pakistan.

“The 11th over brought us three wickets, and that was the turning point. Once the ball got older, it became difficult to bat against spin, and I was just waiting for that moment,” he added.

Commenting on the pitch, Salman Ali Agha noted that it offered similar challenges to both sides, with the older ball becoming more difficult to deal with.

“It was easier to score against the new ball, but as it aged, it began to grip and turn. That made batting much harder for both teams,” he concluded.

READ: Saim Ayub, Nawaz star as Pakistan draw first blood in West Indies T20I series

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha has addressed the exclusion of emerging fast bowlers Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, and Salman Mirza from the squad for the white-ball series against the West Indies.

The trio had featured in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh, where Salman Mirza emerged as a bright spot with seven wickets in three games on his debut assignment.

Ahmed Daniyal made his debut in the same series, taking three wickets in two matches, while Abbas Afridi has been a regular member of Pakistan’s T20I side over the past year.

The pace battery for the Caribbean tour sees the return of experienced campaigners Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf.

In a video statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Salman clarified that the changes were part of a strategic decision to bring back Pakistan’s frontline pacers.

“These are our first-choice bowlers, the ones who have delivered consistently for Pakistan,” he said.

“We experimented in the last two series against Bangladesh, but now we are entering an important phase. It was necessary to go back to our main bowling options.”

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Pakistan will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series starting this Friday at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida.

Acknowledging the strength of the hosts, Salman Ali Agha said the team is prepared for a tough challenge.

“West Indies have always been a tough side to play against because their T20 players are very dangerous. But we’re excited and fully prepared for the challenge,” he added.

The 31-year-old all-rounder also underlined the importance of the series in the lead-up to two major tournaments later this year, the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.

“Every series is crucial from here on. We’re looking to build momentum and find the right combination. With a mix of senior and younger players, we’ve formed a strong squad and are hopeful for a solid performance,” he said.

The T20Is will be played on August 2, 3, and 4 in Lauderhill, followed by a three-match ODI series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago on August 8, 10, and 12.

Pakistan T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

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MIRPUR: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised team spirit following a consolatory win in the third T20I against Bangladesh here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday. 

Bangladesh fell short of the 179-run target in the third T20I, eventually bunding out for a modest 104-run total in 16.4 overs. Despite the outcome, the Tigers won the T20I series 2-1 against Pakistan for the first time.

The home side lost half of the side in the powerplay, courtesy of outstanding bowling from Pakistan’s pacer, particularly Salman Mirza, who picked up three wickets.

For Bangladesh, Mohammad Saifuddin was the only silver lining in an otherwise dismal batting display. The all-rounder who returned to the fold after missing out for more than a year remained unbeaten and scored 35* off 34 balls.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan dazzled with 63 off 41, striking five sixes and six boundaries, while Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz’s contributions lower down the order propelled them to an imposing total.

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Following the match, Salman Agha commented on the team’s performance in the series’ final game.

“Very proud, this is what we talked about as a team, no matter what situation we are in, we want to show character,” he remarked.

The skipper praised Sahibzada Farhan’s performance, who was playing in his first match of the series. He further commented on the individual performances of the players that contributed to Pakistan’s comprehensive win.

“The way Sahibzada batted was outstanding, heartening, and pleasing to see, Saim as well. ´First six overs, they put us ahead.

“Hasan batted really well, and Nawaz played an outstanding cameo. Salman was outstanding, took wickets upfront, and the way Dani (Daniyal) bowled, very happy with them,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

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MIRPUR: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha remained optimistic and praised his players for demonstrating fighting spirit despite Green Shirts’ eight-run defeat in the second T20I against Bangladesh here on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging 134-run total on a tricky surface, Pakistan were bowled out for 125 in 19.2 overs.

With a narrow defeat in the second T20I of a three-match series, Bangladesh won the T20I series against Pakistan for the first time.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman Agha rued losing early wickets, noting that they could have restricted Bangladesh.

“The way we started bowling in the power play, we could have gotten like 10 fewer runs, but that’s the way cricket goes. But 130 was what we thought we had under control, but the way we batted in the power play, I think that needs to be improved,” he said.

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The skipper also praised debutant Ahmed Daniyal, who scored a valiant 17-run knock alongside Salman Mirza, who took two wickets and impressed in only his second international game.

“They [Daniyal and Salman] both bowled really well. Salman bowled really well in both games, and then Daniyal came in this game and bowled outstandingly well. And he batted really well as well. He almost took the game away from them, but yeah, they are one for the future,” he said.

Highlighting the top-order woes, Salman remained optimistic, lauding the team’s spirit to take the game deep. He further credited Faheem Ashraf for scoring a vital knock which nearly took Pakistan home in the chase.

“We want to bat well as a top order, and this is something we need to look at. And then, 15-5, and then bringing that game to that deep is just outstanding. The way Faheem batted. I think it’s outstandingly well; he almost took the game away from them, but that’s how cricket goes,” Salman Ali Agha said.

“We don’t want to give up. This is what we are bringing to this team. We don’t want to give up no matter what situation we are in.

We always think we can win the game. And that belief is in our team now, and the way we played after, like, 15-5, I think, is outstanding, ” he concluded.

READ: Bangladesh survive Faheem Ashraf scare to clinch T20I series against Pakistan

DHAKA: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has thrown his support behind senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, even as the duo miss out on the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Addressing the media in Dhaka on Saturday, ahead of the series opener on July 20, Salman said the squad is well-prepared and keen to play aggressive cricket in familiar subcontinental conditions.

“We’re under no pressure. The focus is on playing good cricket and entertaining the crowd here in Bangladesh,” he said.

Pakistan will face the hosts on July 20, 22, and 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, with all matches scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM (PST).

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s strength at home, Salman remained confident in Pakistan’s game plan.

“They’re a competitive side and tough to beat at home, but we’re also ready to play bold, attacking cricket,” he stated.

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Salman Ali Agha also highlighted the team’s preparation, including a tailored training camp in Karachi with pitches designed to mimic Dhaka conditions.

“Understanding conditions is crucial. Our BPL experience and camp preparation will help us adapt better to match situations,” he added.

The captain also weighed in on the absence of experienced campaigners Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, saying their contributions to Pakistan cricket remain invaluable.

“Babar and Rizwan are world-class players and have done wonders for Pakistan. But T20 cricket evolves quickly, and our current squad reflects the style we want to play right now. Whoever fits that brand can be part of the team,” he added.

Meanwhile, the series trophy was unveiled in a ceremony at a local hotel, with both captains, Salman and Liton Das, posing for photos ahead of the contest.

The upcoming series marks the second T20I face-off between Pakistan and Bangladesh this year. The Green Shirts had completed a 3-0 sweep in the previous encounter at home in May.

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DUBAI: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Saud Shakeel made a small but significant gain in the latest ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings released on Wednesday, while all-rounder Agha Salman suffered a steep decline.

Shakeel moved up to No. 12 in the batting rankings after England’s Ben Duckett slipped three places.

The shuffle also saw Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell gain ground, rising to 13th and 14th respectively.

Among the mainstays, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam held on to 21st and 23rd positions, respectively.

Test captain Shan Masood remained unmoved at 48th, while Abdullah Shafique inched up one place to 51st. Kamran Ghulam continues to occupy the 76th position.

Salman Ali Agha slipped three places to the 37th spot in the ICC Test batting rankings. This drop is attributed to significant advances made by other players.

Australia’s Cameron Green jumped 16 spots to reach 30th place, while India’s Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul each moved up five places to 34th and 35th, respectively.

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At the top, England’s Joe Root reclaimed the No. 1 Test batter ranking, dethroning teammate Harry Brook, who dropped to third. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson moved back into second.

In the bowling department, Noman Ali remained Pakistan’s highest-ranked bowler at fifth with 806 points.

Sajid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi both slipped one place each, now ranked 20th and 21st, respectively. Mohammad Abbas (27th), Naseem Shah (35th), and Abrar Ahmed (50th) retained their positions.

India’s Jasprit Bumrah continues to top the bowling rankings, followed by Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins.

In the all-rounders’ list, Noman Ali dropped two spots to 22nd, Sajid Khan moved down to 31st, and Salman Ali Agha held 33rd position.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to dominate the Test all-rounders’ rankings, with Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz in second and South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder in third.

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KARACHI: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has firmly denied reports suggesting he was being considered for ODI captaincy, stating that no formal discussion regarding the role has taken place.

Speaking to reporters during the ongoing white-ball and pre-Bangladesh series camp, Salman addressed speculation around his future as captain, particularly in light of the short-lived stints of previous skippers Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Responding to a question on whether he too felt uncertain about his position, the all-rounder steered clear of commenting on past captaincy changes, instead emphasising his commitment to the current leadership role.

“It was also being said about me that I’m becoming the captain of all three formats. It was reported by you [reporters], I mean, you guys can say anything,” Agha said with a smile.

“But, until now, I’ve had no discussions regarding the ODI captaincy.

“I mean, whatever happened to the previous captains, I think I don’t need to talk about it, as it was not my concern.

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“I have to think about how I can bring the best out of my team. I only do things which are better for the Pakistan team, and that is my only goal.”

The 31-year-old also spoke about the absence of the senior trio Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Bangladesh T20I squad, confirming they are still part of the team’s long-term plans.

The trio is currently training with the national squad during the ongoing camp in Karachi, even though they will not feature in the upcoming three-match series in Dhaka.

“They [Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen] are all part of our core group of 25 players for the T20 World Cup,” said Salman Ali Agha.

“We need to have players who can replace anyone at any given time, and thus we are preparing our bench strength.

“As part of our future plans, we’ve shortlisted 25 players and you’ll see them rotating in the national setup up to the T20 World Cup.”

Pakistan are set to begin their T20I series against Bangladesh on July 20 in Dhaka, with matches scheduled for July 22 and 24 as well.

READ: Salman Agha explains Mohammad Nawaz’s inclusion in T20I squad

KARACHI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has explained the reason behind the inclusion of all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for the forthcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.

While addressing the media, Salman Agha referred to Nawaz’s inclusion as a like-for-like replacement for Shadab Khan, who is out of the team due to shoulder surgery.

At the start of the month, Shadab Khan underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom (UK). As a result, Shadab Khan was ruled out of Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball assignments against Bangladesh and the West Indies.

“Nawaz was selected because of Shadab’s injury. Performance goes up and down, that’s why it is important to analyse the ability of a player,” Salman Agha explained.

It is noteworthy to mention that Mohammad Nawaz’s last T20I appearance for Pakistan came against New Zealand in January 2024. The 31-year-old was under scrutiny due to his lackluster run in both domestic and international cricket.

The skipper also spoke about selection and the team’s strategic planning for the forthcoming fixtures.

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“There’s no shortage of talent in Pakistan. PSL has brought several new faces to the fore. No one is being ignored. Irfan Khan Niazi will lead the Shaheens on the Darwin tour,” he said.

“We’ve trained with conditions in the USA, Bangladesh, and the West Indies in mind. Even the pitches at the National Stadium were tailored with the tour in perspective. We have plenty of spin options available as well,” he disclosed.

Salman Agha remained optimistic about Bangladesh despite their impressive home record, noting that his goal is to take Pakistan cricket ahead.

“Bangladesh is a tough side at home. They’ve beaten strong teams in their conditions. We’ve prepared accordingly and are ready for the challenge. I enjoy taking challenges. Whether I’m captain or not, the goal is to improve Pakistan cricket,” Salman Agha concluded.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim

READ: Salman Ali Agha opens up on Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan inclusion in T20I squad