Salman Ali Agha Archives

Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan’s long-awaited T20I series win at home

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up after leading his side to a resounding 57-run win over Bangladesh in the second T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

This victory not only clinched the series 2-0 but also marked Pakistan’s first T20I series win at home in over three years.

The last time Pakistan won a T20I series on home soil was back in December 2021, when they swept West Indies 3-0.

Speaking after the match, Agha admitted he wasn’t aware of the three-and-a-half-year drought but called the win “incredibly special.”

“This achievement feels incredibly special – I hadn’t realised it’s been three and a half years since the last one. The team’s effort has made me immensely proud,” he said at the post-match presentation.

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Salman Ali Agha also laid out his vision for building a squad that’s not just balanced but deep enough to handle injuries without disruption.

“This is exactly what we’ve built towards – having 15 match-ready players. That depth means seamless replacements for any injuries – the kind of selection headache every captain dreams of,” he explained.

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He particularly stressed the need to develop a robust pace attack, highlighting the importance of having three reliable frontline seamers, backed up by three to four capable reserves.

“We’re committed to expanding our options, particularly in bowling depth. My vision is three frontline pacers plus 3-4 quality backups ready to step up when needed.”

Agha, who has quickly grown into the leadership role, credited the team’s attitude and hunger to perform for making his job smoother.

“Leading this team is a joy. When players are this motivated to perform for their country, my job becomes easier. I hope we maintain this standard long-term,” he said.

One of the brightest sparks of this series has been Hasan Nawaz — the young batter who continues to impress with his fearless approach and shot-making ability. Agha was full of praise for the rising star.

“Hasan Nawaz is batting at another level. His ability to dominate spinners and clear boundaries at will is rare,” he remarked. “He’s embraced his middle-order role brilliantly – this generational talent is transforming our lineup.”

READ: Sahibzada Farhan reflects on ’emotional’ comeback against Bangladesh

Agha Salman backs ‘Fearless not careless’ approach ahead of Bangladesh Series

LAHORE: Pakistan T20 International (T20Is) captain Salman Ali Agha has vowed to play modern-day cricket, emphasizing a ‘Fearless, not careless’ approach ahead of the Bangladesh series.

While addressing the media here ahead of the first T20I, Salman addressed the question regarding the Pakistan team’s approach in the shorter format.

“It’s not the only Islamabad United method. If you look around the world, cricket is played in this manner, and people are following the attacking style.

We’re also aiming to stick with the attacking style we’ve developed and sustain it for the long run, and it’s attacking cricket as well, in which you remain ‘fearless but not careless’,” Agha Salman told reporters.

Salman Ali Agha praised the Bangladesh team, noting that we will try to play good cricket.

“Any series in international cricket is not easy, and currently, the Bangladesh team is very skillful,” he added.

He also mentioned the key player that Pakistan will target as a crucial wicket.

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”Litton Das will be prize wicket for us and we will ensure that he should not score too many runs,” he said of Bangaldesh’s skipper.

Pakistan has changed eight players from the T20I team that toured New Zealand earlier this year. Speaking about the changes, he said that keeping Sri Lankan conditions in mind, we aim to have a pool of 20 to 25 players.

“We aim to create the best playing XI for the World Cup in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, want to assemble a pool of 20 to 25 players so that if any player is injured, we have a replacement,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

The right-handed batter also emphasized the Playing XI against Bangladesh, particularly mentioning Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 ‘Player of the Tournament’ Hasan Nawaz’s batting position.

“We picked the team according to players’ international and PSL form. With my suggestion, the final XI is decided. Hasan Nawaz has played really well in the middle order in PSL, so I don’t think he needs to open,” Salman Ali Agha Concluded.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to begin tomorrow.

The second and third matches are scheduled for May 30 and June 1, respectively, all taking place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. All matches will be played under lights.

READ: Salman Ali Agha reveals reason behind dropping Sufiyan Muqeem

Salman Ali Agha reveals reason behind dropping Sufiyan Muqeem

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s T20I captain, has revealed the reason behind dropping the left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Agha Salman hailed Sufiyan Muqeem, calling him the future of white-balls cricket for the Pakistan team.

“I personally like Sufyan a lot, and in the upcoming series, he will feature in our shorter formats squads. I think Sufyan will play a crucial role in the white-ball format, and he will win a lot of matches for Pakistan in the future.

The skipper also revealed the reason for dropping, stressing the conditions here during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

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”If we look at the conditions, spinners did not have much success here [Lahore], so a fast bowler is added in his place,” he explained.

It is worth mentioning that Sufiyan Muqeem featured in the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand this year. He played the last match of the three-match T20I series, returning with the figures of two for six in two overs.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to begin tomorrow.

The second and third matches are scheduled for May 30 and June 1, respectively, all taking place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. All matches will be played under lights.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.

Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series schedule:

28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: England club team bowled out for just two runs in 427-run chase

PSL 10: Salman Ali Agha reflects on loss against Peshawar Zalmi

LAHORE: Islamabad United’s stand-in captain, Agha Salman, has shared his thoughts after the team’s defeat to Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Opting to bat first, Islamabad United posted 143 for the loss of nine wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 144 runs, completing the match in just 16.4 overs with six wickets remaining and 20 balls to spare here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

While speaking during the post-match press conference, Salman Ali admitted that the team didn’t play their best cricket in the last two matches, which led to consecutive defeats.

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“It’s not that we relaxed,” he said. “We just haven’t played quality cricket in the last two games, and that’s why we lost.”

He also shed light on Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan, who was injured during the match.

“I don’t know the status of Shadab’s injury because it’s too early to say,” he remarked.

The middle-order batter emphasised that the team is focused on learning from their mistakes.

“We’re trying to overcome our mistakes,” Salman Ali added.

When asked about selection and squad dynamics, Salman said he and the selectors are closely monitoring emerging players.

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“PSL is Pakistan’s prime tournament, and as a captain, I am also watching the performances of youngsters. I am sure that selectors are watching as well,” he noted.

Reflecting on the team’s approach, he revealed that Islamabad made strategic changes even during their winning run.

“We were making changes even when we were winning because it’s a long tournament, ” he explained.

He also dismissed the notion that the team is in danger of qualifying for the playoffs after recent losses.

“There’s no panic at all,” he clarified. “Yes, we’ve lost two but won five, so we have ample matches to make a comeback.”

Salman also confirmed he missed some matches due to injury but assured that he’s working his way back to full fitness.

“I was injured due to a Quad injury,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Babar, Maaz star as Peshawar Zalmi thump Islamabad United

Salman Ali Agha opens up on childhood friendship with Babar Azam

Pakistan’s T20I captain and Islamabad United all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has opened up about his long-standing friendship with star batter Babar Azam, a bond that goes back to their school cricket days.

In a candid conversation with a local sports outlet, Salman shared that his journey with Babar started well before the spotlight.

“Babar Azam and I used to play cricket together at the school level. He played for Muslim Model School and I used to represent Central Model School,” he said.

“Our teams used to play matches against each other, and that’s where our friendship began.”

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From competing in inter-school matches to sharing the same dressing room for Pakistan, the duo has grown together in cricket.

“Later on, we played together in the Under-16 and Under-19. I’ve known Babar for a long time,” Salman Ali Agha added.

The 31-year-old also talked about his strong off-field equation with several national teammates, adding that many of them share a genuine friendship beyond cricket.

“I’m also friends with Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, and Saim Ayub. We often go out to eat together,” he revealed.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Salman Ali Agha also praised Shadab for his captaincy, calling him one of the finest leaders in the Pakistan Super League.

“In the last five to six years, Shadab Khan has captained Islamabad United in a magnificent way. If you look at his record, it is quite impressive,” he said.

He credited Shadab’s ability to stay calm and make key calls during crunch situations.

“He makes effective decisions during pressure situations, which benefit the team,” Salman noted. “Right now, in PSL, he is one of Pakistan’s best captains.”

READ: Here’s how Multan Sultans can still make the PSL 10 playoffs

Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha rise in ICC ODI Rankings despite Pakistan’s struggles

DUBAI: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha have made notable gains in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, released on Wednesday, despite the team’s ongoing struggles in the white-ball series against New Zealand.

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

However, the updated ODI rankings—calculated before today’s game—brought some individual positives.

Haris Rauf, who impressed with figures of 2-38 in the first ODI, jumped nine places to secure the 16th spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings with 578 rating points.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s premier pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is absent from the ODI squad, slipped two places and dropped out of the top 10. He now sits at 11th with 613 points.

On the batting charts, Salman Ali Agha’s gritty 58-run knock in the series opener helped him climb six spots, placing him in joint 37th alongside New Zealand’s Tom Latham.

However, it wasn’t all good news for Pakistan’s batters. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan lost two and one spot, respectively, and are now positioned at 20th and 21st in the rankings.

Babar Azam, though, remains Pakistan’s highest-ranked batter, holding firm at the second spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI against a dominant New Zealand side.

READ: Rizwan reflects on Pakistan’s defeat in second ODI against New Zealand

Salman Ali Agha reflects on T20I series defeat against New Zealand

WELLINGTON: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his thoughts after a crushing defeat against New Zealand in the final match of the five-match T20I series here at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

New Zealand successfully chased down a paltry 129-run target in 10 overs after losing two wickets to win the series 4-1.

Seifert led New Zealand’s charge with the bat, smashing 97 runs from 38 balls, which featured ten sixes and six boundaries.

While speaking in a post-match press conference, Agha highlighted the series’ positives and shortcomings, expressing confidence in the young players’ performance in the upcoming series.

“We had some positives. Our side’s ultimate focus is Asia Cup and World Cup, ” he said.

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The skipper commented on challenging conditions in New Zealand, noting that any Asian team that comes here faces difficulties.

“Obviously, the conditions here are not easy. We have seen that Asian team have faced difficulties in New Zealand,” said Agha.

Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in the young batters’ ability to perform well in the upcoming series despite their poor outings in the previous matches.

“We have exciting youngsters, and when they will have experience, they will perform.”

“I am hopeful that these players will perform in the next series. They have a lot of potential. ” he added.

While reflecting on his own performance, the skipper stated that his performance doesn’t matter if the team loses.

“I can’t talk much about it. If my team loses, my performance doesn’t matter, ” he stated.

The 31-year-old batter remained firm about the Men in Green’s chances in the upcoming ODI series, emphasizing the experience in the 50-over squad.

“It’s a completely different team in the ODIs. Babar, Rizwan and Imam have played in New Zealand before. It will be a different ball game,” he concluded.

READ: Trophy-chasing Bayern Munich suffer double injury blow

Pakistan captain reflects on thumping victory over New Zealand

AUCKLAND: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has reflected on his team’s thumping nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.

Pakistan opted to field first after winning the toss and bundled New Zealand for 204 despite a quick-fire knock of 94 runs by Mark Chapman.

In response, the Green Shirts chased the target in 16 overs, courtesy of Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten century as well as captain Salman’s unbeaten half-century and Mohammad Haris’ 41.

Pakistan’s skipper praised his team-mates while emphasising the need to back youngsters to get out the best performance from them.

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“Outstanding performance. A proper game we played, the bowlers started really well and then the two youngsters batted really well,” he said after the match.

“If you back the youngsters, they will do well like today. 200 is a par score on this wicket, and I just said to the guys we can chase this down if you bat well.”

Salman Ali Agha also acknowledged the importance of this match to keep the series alive, having suffered back-to-back losses in the first two games.

“It was do or die and we just wanted to go out and enjoy ourselves today. Looking forward to the next game as well,” he added.

READ: Asad Shafiq explains Haseebullah Khan’s exclusion from Pakistan squad

Pakistan captain reflects on defeat in second T20I against New Zealand

DUNEDIN: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged his team’s improvement in the second T20I against New Zealand but admitted that key areas still need work following a five-wicket defeat at University Oval here on Tuesday.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Agha noted that despite falling 2-0 behind in the series, there were positives to take from the game, particularly in the batting and fielding departments.

“It was freezing. But compared to the last game, this was a much better performance. We batted well, and our fielding was outstanding. The bowling had its moments too, but we need to adjust to the different bounce here,” Agha remarked.

Pakistan’s bowling struggled early on, as New Zealand’s openers ran riot during the powerplay. However, the skipper credited Haris Rauf and the rest of the attack for pulling things back later in the innings.

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“After the powerplay, we bowled well, and Haris was exceptional. But as a unit, we need to be better in the powerplay—both while bowling and batting,” he added.

After a crushing nine-wicket loss in the first T20I, Pakistan failed to defend 135 runs in the rain-affected second match, which was reduced to 15 overs per side. With the series now slipping away, Salman Ali Agha and his men have a lot to address before the third T20I.

It’s worth noting that the third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Auckland on March 21, while the final two matches are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, the two sides will face off in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI is set for March 29 in Napier, followed by the second on April 2 in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the third and final match on April 5.

READ: Khushdil Shah fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach

Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan’s crushing defeat against New Zealand in first T20I

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha highlighted the team’s shortcomings after crushing nine-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first T20I at Hagley Oval on Sunday.

In a post-match conference, Agha admitted that his team was not up to mark in the five-match series opener against a well-disciplined New Zealand team.

“It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin),” he remarked.

“They bowled really well, in great areas, there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat and think about the next game, ” he said.

Salman Ali Agha highlighted the performances of three debutants and expressed confidence in their potential for upcoming matches.

“We had three debutants, the more games they play, they’ll learn more.”

“The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, we’ve good bowlers and we’ll look to do well in the next match,” he concluded.

After being asked to bat first in the series opener, Pakistan team struggled against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were bundled out for 91, with Kyle Jamieson leading the charge by picking up crucial wickets.

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The Men in Green encountered early trouble, losing three wickets for just one run. Kyle Jamieson caused havoc with the ball, claiming three wickets early on.

Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed, getting dismissed for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs.

Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 32 runs, followed by captain Agha Salman with 18 and Jahandad Khan with 17.

Abdul Samad scored 7, Shadab Khan managed 3, while Abrar Ahmed added only 2 runs. Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Ali contributed just 1 run each. Openers Mohammad Haris and Hassan Nawaz were dismissed without scoring.

New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy led the bowling attack with 4 wickets, while Kyle Jamieson claimed 3 and Ish Sodhi grabbed 2 wickets. Zakary Foulkes dismissed one player.

Chasing 91, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen displayed exceptional batting from the start, putting on a 53-run stand inside the powerplay, showcasing their brilliance with the bat.

New Zealand chased down the target in the 11th over, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

READ: New Zealand beat Pakistan by nine wickets in first T20I