Agha Salman eyes World Cup combination as Australia T20I series looms

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan captain Agha Salman said his team was moving in the right direction and that the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Australia would be crucial in shaping their plans for the World Cup.
Pakistan will host Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1 in what Salman described as a key opportunity to assess combinations and roles ahead of the global event.
“We are on the same direction which we had set a few months ago,” Salman told a press conference on Wednesday.
“In the last five to six months, we did not always get conditions where you could score 200 runs. But whenever we got those conditions, we did score 200, like in Lahore against Bangladesh.”
Salman said adaptability had been central to Pakistan’s recent approach, pointing to their tour of Sri Lanka as an example of how the team had adjusted to different demands.
“We went to Sri Lanka where we had to score 160 in 12 overs and we almost chased that target,” he said. “Whenever we get conditions, we play aggressively. When you don’t, you have to change your game. I think the team is going in the right direction.”
The captain stressed the importance of the Australia series in finalising the squad’s balance for the World Cup.
“These three games are very important because you will know about your combination and you will assess properly what would happen in the global event,” he said. “It’s an important series and we will be able to tick all our boxes.”
Salman also urged critics and media to broaden their focus beyond star batsman Babar Azam, saying Pakistan’s success depended on contributions from the entire squad.
“It’s my desire that when I come to the press conference next time, no one questions about Babar,” Salman said. “There are other 14 players and batsmen. Leave him to bat. He is batting well for us and fulfilling his role. What happened in the Big Bash does not matter.”
Babar’s recent form in Australia’s domestic T20 competition has drawn scrutiny, but Salman dismissed concerns over the former captain’s performances.
“In T20 cricket, no team can be big or small,” Salman added. “I remember playing Afghanistan in Sharjah when everyone was calling them the second-best team in Asia. We beat them and then people said they were not that good. In international cricket, no game is easy.”
Pakistan have been training in Lahore for the past few days, with Salman saying preparations had been made while keeping overseas (Sri Lanka) conditions in mind.
“Training has been good and we have prepared keeping in view the conditions which we will get in Sri Lanka,” he said, hinting at continuity in planning across formats and tours.
The skipper said players were clear about their responsibilities and roles, even if the final XI had not been confirmed.
“We know the roles of the players and the players also know them,” he said. “You can say who will play, but the players know what is expected of them.”
Salman acknowledged Australia’s strength, describing them as a side capable of dominating games, but said Pakistan would not view any absences in the visiting squad as a guarantee of success.
“Australia is a team which dominates the game,” he said. “You cannot say if they miss a few players then it’s a golden opportunity. If we play our best cricket, then we have chances to beat them.”
He also highlighted the importance of experience in major tournaments, saying senior players would play a key role in the World Cup.
“If you go on such a big tour, you need experience,” Salman said. “We have experienced players in the lot and their presence is very important. They will play their role in the World Cup.”
The series begins on Thursday, with Pakistan hoping strong home performances against Australia will provide momentum and clarity ahead of the year’s biggest assignments.