Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed that no significant changes are expected in the national squad ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Speaking on the PCB podcast, he highlighted the team’s preparations, fitness focus, and aspirations for future ICC tournaments.
Salman Ali Agha stated that for the past six months, the team’s sole focus has been on the T20 World Cup. “Now, the desired combination has been formed, and preparations are going in the right direction,” he said. The captain emphasized that the squad is well-prepared to compete at the highest level.
He also shared his dream of winning both the T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup, underscoring the team’s long-term ambitions.
Team dynamics and leadership
Salman praised Babar Azam as a world-class batsman who never needs guidance and described him as a friend and key asset to the team. Reflecting on his early days as captain, Salman admitted there were challenges but added that he tries to play every match for Pakistan, acknowledging the honor of representing the country in a population of 250 million.
The captain also highlighted the importance of fitness when playing all three formats. On off-days, he trains twice a day—morning gym sessions and evening batting practice—to maintain peak performance.
Personal journey
Hailing from a small area near a railway ground, Salman shared that he initially wondered why he was not selected for the team. He credits watching the batting of Mohammad Yousuf and Michael Clarke for inspiring his own style. Salman noted that if he had excelled academically instead, he might have pursued a business career.
Salman Ali Agha emphasized the team’s rotation policy and preparations for injury replacements. He praised the culture instilled by coach Mike Hesson, noting that their chemistry from Islamabad United carries over to the national team. The captain also mentioned his ability to play spin effectively and his preference for teams like New Zealand and South Africa.
