Salman Ali Agha Archives

Pakistan captain backs Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf to shine in New Zealand T20Is

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has thrown his support behind senior pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, emphasizing their importance in the team’s quest for success in the five-match series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence tomorrow.

Shaheen and Haris have been under fire lately due to their below-par performances in Pakistan’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Consequently, they lost their place in the ODI squad for New Zealand, however, they were named in the T20I squad.

Salman Ali Agha, during the press conference ahead of the first T20I in Christchurch, acknowledged the recent form fluctuations of the experienced duo but remained confident in their ability to step up for Pakistan.

“Shaheen and Haris have been outstanding bowlers for Pakistan. Yes, form and performances go up and down in every cricketer’s career, but I believe both of them have a key role to play in this series,” he stated.

The 31-year-old, leading a relatively young squad, emphasized that the team is not in New Zealand just to experiment but to win.

“Fans are disappointed because we haven’t played the kind of cricket they expect from us. In fact, we haven’t even played the way we expect from ourselves. But just because we have a young side doesn’t mean it’s not a strong one. We are here to win,” Salman asserted.

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Pakistan’s squad for the series has seen some significant changes, with several senior players being rested.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been key to Pakistan’s T20I setup for years, are not part of the squad as the selectors aim to test new combinations. Salman admitted that their absence is notable but stressed the importance of looking forward.

“There is no doubt that Babar and Rizwan have been exceptional for Pakistan, but for this series, we are trying to build a new combination,” he added.

“Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will also be missed—they are match-winners on their day. But, Alhamdulillah, their injury progress is positive, and hopefully, they will return for the next series.”

The Pakistan captain further explained that the team is focused on long-term goals, including the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

“This series, and the ones coming up, are all part of our preparation for these major tournaments. We want to form a strong squad that can compete at the highest level in the coming years,” Salman remarked.

Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Saud Shakeel stars as Karachi Whites start National T20 Cup campaign on winning note

‘We will play fearless cricket’ Salman Ali Agha issues bold statement as Pakistan captain

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha, the new captain of Pakistan for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, has vowed to adopt a ‘fearless and high-risk’ style of cricket.

Agha, who became the fourth different T20I captain for Pakistan since January 2024, has promised to play a fearless style of cricket.

The new skipper recognized the duty as a ‘challenge’ and outlined his intention to adapt his game to fit the demands of modern day cricket.

“It’s an honour for me and also a challenge. We’ve brought a few youngsters into the team who have been playing the domestic cricket brand that we want to play on the national side going forward,” he remarked.

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“We have to focus on our intent and approach. We have to improve that. In modern-day cricket these things are important.This is a young team and we want to play fearless cricket.”

He also cautioned that there would be setbacks throughout the transition phase and encouraged fans to stand by them.

“That is high-risk cricket, which is a requirement in modern cricket. There will be failures with that approach, but we have to support our players,” the skipper said.

The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will run from 16 March 16 to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Following the T20I series, the teams will travel to Napier for the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March. The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the final ODI on 5 April.

Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand tour

Read: Champions Trophy 2025 final to take place in Dubai after India’s qualification

New T20I captain named as Pakistan announce white-ball squads for New Zealand tour

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha has been named the T20I captain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced two separate white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, returning all-rounder Shadab Khan will serve as vice-captain for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand from 16-26 March.

“The decision to appoint Salman and Shadab as T20I captain and vice-captain, respectively, has been made with an eye on two major upcoming tournaments – the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 (September 2025) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (February/March 2026),” the PCB stated in a press release.

“As part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan is set to play a minimum of five T20Is in the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and three T20Is each against West Indies (away, July), Afghanistan (home, August), Ireland (home, September), South Africa (home, September/October), Sri Lanka (home, November) and Australia (home, January 2026).”

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan will continue as ODI captain, with Salman serving as his deputy for the three 50-over matches scheduled at the backend of the tour from 29 March to 5 April.

In the T20I squad, there are three uncapped players – Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Ali – while Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali are the two players who have yet to debut in ODIs.

The four players have been rewarded for their impressive performances in the Champions One-Day and T20 Cups.

In the Champions T20 Cup, Abdul Samad scored 115 runs at a strike-rate of 166.67 after aggregating 145 runs at a strike-rate of 122.88 in the Champions One-Day Cup.

Likewise, Hasan Nawaz had a staller Champions T20 Cup, finishing as the second leading run-getter with 312 runs at a strike-rate of 142.47.

Mohammad Ali, with 22 wickets, was the leading wicket-taker in the Champions T20 Cup, while he took three wickets in the Champions One-Day Cup.

Akif Javed has been selected in the ODI side after his seven wickets in five Champions One-Day Cup matches, while he took 15 wickets in the Champions T20 Cup.

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for either format on medical advice.

Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, while Saim is recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.

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The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.

READ: PCB announces free Iftar for fans at Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore

Champions Trophy 2025: Former cricketer names Pakistan’s ‘biggest threat’ against India

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla has identified middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha as the biggest weapon of Pakistan against the Men in Blue ahead of their much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.

Speaking in a recent interview, Chawla highlighted Salman Agha’s attacking approach, which was on full display during Pakistan’s record-breaking run chase against South Africa in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

The right-hander also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s opening game of the Champions Trophy, scoring a brisk 42 off 28 balls against New Zealand under pressure in Karachi.

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“The biggest threat from the Pakistan team is Salman Ali Agha because he’s the kind of player who can change the course of a game on his day,” Piyush Chawla said.

“He’s an attacking batsman, and we have seen what he is capable of. When Pakistan was chasing 350-odd runs against South Africa, the kind of hundred he got was remarkable.

“He’s an aggressive player who can turn the game around.”

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However, Piyush Chawla backed India to have the upper hand in the much-anticipated fixture, citing their strong record against Pakistan in ICC events and their recent form.

“Based on form, India has the edge because, in ICC tournaments, especially in the one-day format, India has performed well against Pakistan,” he noted.

“Pakistan does have a slight advantage in the Champions Trophy, but looking at the current form—the way the Indian team is playing and how Pakistan struggled against New Zealand—India has a better chance.”

READ: Former Australian great predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Salman Ali Agha reveals the key factor behind Pakistan’s defeat

KARACHI: Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha pointed out the team’s weaknesses after their defeat against New Zealand in their opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Will Young and Tom Latham’s centuries and clinical bowling performance propelled New Zealand to a comprehensive victory against Pakistan by 60 runs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman emphasized the need for better batting performances and consistency. He stressed the importance of turning starts into substantial innings and described Fakhar Zaman as vital for a good start.

“We need to convert our 40s and 50s into big scores; otherwise, winning matches will remain difficult, as we saw today.”

“If Fakhar had opened today, the powerplay score could have been different. But today wasn’t our day, and that’s why we lost the match,” Salman remarked.

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Agha also highlighted the necessity of better strike rotation to build partnerships and maintain momentum. The all-rounder emphasized consistency as a crucial factor for competing with top teams.

“To become a strong force, we must maintain consistency. We can’t afford to perform poorly in one match and then exceptionally well in the next—we need to deliver consistently,” he said.

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Agha revealed that Pakistan had aimed to limit New Zealand to a total below 300, considering the pitch conditions favourable for a chase.

However, their slow start in the batting powerplay—scoring just 22 runs—prevented them from gaining the required momentum.

“We planned to restrict them to around 270 or a maximum of 300 runs, as it was a chaseable target with a good start. But our poor start in batting cost us the momentum, ultimately leading to our failure in reaching the target,” he explained.

Following this setback, defending champions Pakistan will now travel to Dubai, where they will face arch-rivals India on February 23.

READ: Rohit Sharma hails Pakistan-born bowlers, downplays spin reliance

Salman Ali Agha eyes Champions Trophy glory in hometown Lahore

Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his aim to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and lift the coveted silverware in his hometown Lahore.

In the latest episode of the PCB Podcast, Salman opened up about his excitement, while stating that the tournament holds immense significance not just for him, but for the entire nation.

“I am excited for the Champions Trophy—Pakistan hosting an ICC event is special,” said Salman. “As a Lahore native, lifting the trophy in my hometown would be a dream come true. The Pakistan team has the potential to win.”

While the Pakistan-India clash remains the tournament’s most anticipated fixture, Salman made it clear that the ultimate goal is to bring the trophy home.

“The Pakistan-India match is the biggest, but winning the Champions Trophy is more important,” he added.

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“If we beat India but don’t win the tournament, that win holds no value. However, if we lose to India but lift the trophy, that’s a bigger achievement. Our goal is to perform well and win.”

Speaking about his role as vice-captain, Salman Ali Agha admitted that while the added responsibility brings pressure, it also gives him the freedom to express himself on the field.

“I am really enjoying cricket and the new role given to me. Being vice-captain comes with responsibility but also a sense of freedom,” he stated.

“The victories in Australia and South Africa gave me a lot of confidence, and I always prepare thoroughly a day before the match.”

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

READ: Steve Smith backs Jake Fraser-McGurk to perform in Champions Trophy

Salman Ali Agha optimistic about Saim Ayub’s recovery for Champions Trophy

Pakistan white-ball vice-captain Salman Ali Agha has expressed optimism about the recovery of young opener Saim Ayub ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Saim sustained a fractured ankle on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, ruling him out for an initial six weeks. He is currently in London for his treatment and a detailed evaluation of his injury.

Salman, during a media interaction in Lahore on Friday, offered an encouraging update, while requesting fans to pray for Saim’s speedy recovery.

“The reports are positive, and Saim Ayub is expected to recover in time for the Champions Trophy. Please keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery,” he stated.

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Salman Ali Agha also showed confidence in the team’s readiness for the mega-event, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

“We are ready for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. After playing a long season, there is another long season ahead, so the preparation is good,” said Salman.

However, he was quick to highlight that the immediate focus remains on the upcoming series against the West Indies.

“The Champions Trophy is on our minds, but before that, the West Indies series is ongoing,” he added.

READ: Faham-ul-Haq named in emerging players category ahead of PSL 10 Draft

‘He is some player,’ Harsha Bhogle heaps high praise on THIS Pakistani all-rounder

Renowned Indian cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle has heaped high praise on Pakistan’s all-rounder and white-ball vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.

The 31-year-old all-rounder has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s red-ball setup for two years, however, recently he has shown glimpses of his brilliance in white-ball cricket too.

In 2024, he scored 209 runs at an average of 41.80 in nine ODIs during the tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. With the bowl, he was equally impressive, taking 11 wickets at an average of 19.18.

Harsha Bhogle, during a discussion on his YouTube channel, highlighted Salman’s all-round brilliance and emphasized his immense potential as a player who could shape the future of Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.

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“I know Pakistan likes Saud Shakeel, but when I saw another young player at the end of last year here in Australia, I just thought, ‘He can bowl and he can definitely bat—more of a batter than a bowler—but he is some player,'” said Bhogle.

“I am very happy that it has started to get reflected in the numbers, and it is Salman Ali Agha. I hope we see more of him.”

It’s worth noting that Salman also exhibited his leadership potential during the tour of Zimbabwe, where he led the team in the T20I series in the absence of regular skipper Mohammad Rizwan.

Under Salman, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe convincingly in first two games, however, they lost the last game to take a 2-1 series victory.

READ: New Zealand’s star fast bowler registers for PSL 10 player draft

Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub steer Pakistan to victory over South Africa

PAARL: Saim Ayub scored his second century, while Salman Ali Agha showcased his all-round brilliance to lead Pakistan to a thrilling victory in the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa here at Boland Park on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 240, the visiting team successfully achieved the total with three balls to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Salman Ali Agha, after taking four wickets in the first innings, played a calm and composed knock of 82* in 90 balls with the help of six boundaries, which included two sixes.

The right-hander came out to bat with Pakistan struggling at 60-4 and formed a solid partnership of 141 runs with opening batter Saim Ayub.

They took Pakistan’s total to 201 before Kagiso Rabada broke the partnership with the wicket of Saim, who scored 109 runs from 119 balls with the help of ten boundaries and three sixes.

Pakistan lost two more wickets in quick succession before Naseem Shah (9*) joined Salman and they constructed an unbeaten 33-run stand to take their team across the line.

For South Africa, Rabada and Ottneil Baartman took two wickets each, while Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi bagged one each.

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Earlier, South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram chose to bat first after winning the coin toss against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.

The decision seemed to bore fruits initially as Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton built a 70-run opening stand in 59 balls before Salman Ali Agha turned things around with his off-spin bowling.

De Zorzi scored 33 off 25 with the help of six boundaries, while Rickelton struck seven fours on his way to a 38-ball 36.

Salman removed both batters in successive overs, followed by the wickets of Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs (1) in his fourth over to leave South Africa reeling at 88-4.

Markram (35) and Heinrich Klaasen then joined hands to take the hosts out of the trouble with a 73-run stand for the fifth wicket before Saim Ayub broke the budding partnership.

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Klaasen then waged a lone war, playing a brilliant knock of 86 runs from 97 balls, which featured seven fours and two sixes, to take his team’s total beyond the 200-run mark.

Shaheen Shah Afridi ended Klaasen’s knock before Kagiso Rabada (11) and Ottneil Baartman (10*) added crucial 21 runs for the ninth wicket.

Rabada got run out on the last ball of the innings as South Africa finished with 239-9.

Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s bowling attack with his figures of 4-32, while Abrar Ahmed took two wickets.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

South Africa Playing XI: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi

READ: Babar Azam eyes major milestones during South Africa ODIs

PCB chief meets Rizwan, Salman ahead of Australia tour

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday, held a meeting with newly-appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and his deputy Salman Ali Agha ahead of the national team’s tour to Australia.

In a meeting that was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer, Naqvi wished the captain and vice-captain good luck for the crucial white-ball series against Australia.

He expressed his confidence in the players to showcase their talent on the stiff tour before emphasizing team unity key to success.

“Leading the white-ball team is an honour,” Naqvi said.

“The nation expects a remarkable performance from the team during the Australia and Zimbabwe series. Our players are talented and professional, and I am confident they will showcase their best talent.

“Playing as a united team and fighting till the last ball are keys to success. If the team performs as one unit, no one can defeat you.”

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In response, white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and deputy Salman Ali Agha expressed gratitude towards Mohsin Naqvi for entrusting them with the leadership of the national white-ball side.

The duo also vowed to make every effort to meet nation’s expectations and flair well on tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

“We are determined to perform well during the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe,” Rizwan said.

“We will make every effort to meet the nation’s expectations,” he added.

Pakistan Squad for Australia Tour

ODI SQUAD: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (vc) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20I SQUAD: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.

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