- Joined
- Nov 25, 2023
- Runs
- 23,047
Salman Ali Agha shared following thoughts in a press conference following the final of T20I Tri-Nation series at Rawalpindi:
World Cup Selection and Spinners' Role
"I feel we are very close to picking our 15 players. A good momentum and confidence have been generated following the home series. Given that the tournament is in Sri Lanka, where the captain also mentioned conditions favor spinners, there is a lot of focus on our spin options. Usman Tariq has now joined the team. We understand that a good team preparing for the World Cup will definitely prioritize spin, and we are doing that."
* Strength of Spin Attack and Expectations: Yes, you will definitely see a focus on spin from us. We have Abrar, Nawaz, Usman, and Saim—four very capable spinners. They are performing outstandingly in every match, taking wickets, and successfully controlling the scoring rate. The Sri Lanka World Cup is known to be dominated by spinners. I am hopeful that their good form continues, and they will keep performing at a high level."
Target Setting in Modern Cricket
"Chasing 200-plus scores depends heavily on the conditions. The pitch must allow for 200 runs to be scored in the first place. I don't anticipate that the conditions in Sri Lanka will consistently lead to 200-run totals. However, we certainly possess the ability to adapt to pitches where such high scores are made. If such matches arise, we definitely have the capacity to both score and successfully chase 200 runs."
Mohammad Nawaz's Consistency and Shadab Khan's Potential Inclusion
"Regarding Nawaz, if he is not being appreciated, it is either due to the media or the public, as we inside the team talk about his performance every time. Since his return, I believe he has been outstanding, and few players have performed as much as he has. We will appreciate him if he performs. As for Shadab, he was the team's Vice-Captain. If we have an available player who unfortunately was unfit, but possesses significant World Cup experience, can bat at number five or six, and offers a quality spin option, and if we feel it is necessary, then why would we not include him?"
Spinners' Rotation and Strategy
"Yes, if the conditions permit it. If we believe that two specialist spinners should be played along with Nawaz, which would give us four spin options, then we will definitely implement the strategy that is best for the Pakistan team. If the conditions allow four spinners, we will certainly play them."
Reviewing 2025 and Outlook for 2026
"While our start to the year was not ideal, particularly our performance in the Champions Trophy, our finish has been strong. Over the last two or three months, we have won almost all our series, especially in the white-ball format. Our goal for next year is to carry this momentum forward from where we finished. We have no matches in December, but we will start the new year with great momentum, and God willing, aim to win the 2026 World Cup and create a lasting legacy."
The Role of a Multi-Format Captain
"If you are the captain of Pakistan, there should be no such thing as "added pressure." There is only responsibility. If someone has given you this responsibility, it is because they trust your ability to handle the pressure. Initially, coping with the pressure might have been a challenge, which is understandable for anyone. However, after about five to six months in the captaincy role, I am now accustomed to it. I have learned how to balance both roles—how to play my own game effectively and how to manage the team as captain on the field. I am continually developing my understanding of this balance.'
Consideration of Rising Stars
"Firstly, congratulations to those young men; they have played outstanding cricket. We are all very proud, and they are definitely players who will serve Pakistan greatly in the future. However, if we bring them into the World Cup squad, someone from the current playing group must be replaced. A player who is consistently performing will obviously be given initial priority. Nevertheless, these individuals who have performed so well will undoubtedly be key to Pakistan's success moving forward."
World Cup Selection and Spinners' Role"I feel we are very close to picking our 15 players. A good momentum and confidence have been generated following the home series. Given that the tournament is in Sri Lanka, where the captain also mentioned conditions favor spinners, there is a lot of focus on our spin options. Usman Tariq has now joined the team. We understand that a good team preparing for the World Cup will definitely prioritize spin, and we are doing that."
* Strength of Spin Attack and Expectations: Yes, you will definitely see a focus on spin from us. We have Abrar, Nawaz, Usman, and Saim—four very capable spinners. They are performing outstandingly in every match, taking wickets, and successfully controlling the scoring rate. The Sri Lanka World Cup is known to be dominated by spinners. I am hopeful that their good form continues, and they will keep performing at a high level."
Target Setting in Modern Cricket"Chasing 200-plus scores depends heavily on the conditions. The pitch must allow for 200 runs to be scored in the first place. I don't anticipate that the conditions in Sri Lanka will consistently lead to 200-run totals. However, we certainly possess the ability to adapt to pitches where such high scores are made. If such matches arise, we definitely have the capacity to both score and successfully chase 200 runs."
Mohammad Nawaz's Consistency and Shadab Khan's Potential Inclusion"Regarding Nawaz, if he is not being appreciated, it is either due to the media or the public, as we inside the team talk about his performance every time. Since his return, I believe he has been outstanding, and few players have performed as much as he has. We will appreciate him if he performs. As for Shadab, he was the team's Vice-Captain. If we have an available player who unfortunately was unfit, but possesses significant World Cup experience, can bat at number five or six, and offers a quality spin option, and if we feel it is necessary, then why would we not include him?"
Spinners' Rotation and Strategy"Yes, if the conditions permit it. If we believe that two specialist spinners should be played along with Nawaz, which would give us four spin options, then we will definitely implement the strategy that is best for the Pakistan team. If the conditions allow four spinners, we will certainly play them."
Reviewing 2025 and Outlook for 2026"While our start to the year was not ideal, particularly our performance in the Champions Trophy, our finish has been strong. Over the last two or three months, we have won almost all our series, especially in the white-ball format. Our goal for next year is to carry this momentum forward from where we finished. We have no matches in December, but we will start the new year with great momentum, and God willing, aim to win the 2026 World Cup and create a lasting legacy."
The Role of a Multi-Format Captain"If you are the captain of Pakistan, there should be no such thing as "added pressure." There is only responsibility. If someone has given you this responsibility, it is because they trust your ability to handle the pressure. Initially, coping with the pressure might have been a challenge, which is understandable for anyone. However, after about five to six months in the captaincy role, I am now accustomed to it. I have learned how to balance both roles—how to play my own game effectively and how to manage the team as captain on the field. I am continually developing my understanding of this balance.'
Consideration of Rising Stars"Firstly, congratulations to those young men; they have played outstanding cricket. We are all very proud, and they are definitely players who will serve Pakistan greatly in the future. However, if we bring them into the World Cup squad, someone from the current playing group must be replaced. A player who is consistently performing will obviously be given initial priority. Nevertheless, these individuals who have performed so well will undoubtedly be key to Pakistan's success moving forward."
