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"Doing Great": Salman Agha Confident With Babar And Rizwan-Less Pakistan In Asia Cup

Soumyajit Dutta

Salman Ali Agha on Babar, Rizwan-Less Pakistan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Salman Ali Agha on Babar, Rizwan-Less Pakistan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Pakistan's T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has expressed strong confidence in his rebuilding squad ahead of their high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 opener against India. Under the new leadership of Agha and guidance of head coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan has undergone significant transition since moving on from stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan last year. 

The team enters the tournament with momentum, having won three of their four recent series as they prepare to face India, UAE, and Oman in the group stage. This tournament marks Pakistan's first major challenge without their experienced duo, testing the depth of their revamped lineup and renewed aggressive approach under Hesson's philosophy.

Captain Backs Team's Progress Under New Philosophy

Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Salman Agha highlighted the team's positive trajectory and collective excitement for the upcoming challenge.

"I think we are playing good cricket and doing great and we started that a few months ago. Things are coming together, as a team we are playing good cricket and looking forward to this tournament and everyone is very excited," Salman Agha said in the pre-series press conference.

Salman Rejects Favourites Tag Ahead of India Match

When asked about India's status as tournament favourites, the Pakistan captain emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where matches can turn dramatically within mere overs.

"No one is favourite in a T20 game. In a space of 1 or 2 overs the match can change. The tri-series was a preparation for the Asia Cup and the mindset was always to win that tournament," Salman Agha said.

Pakistan's recent form includes successful campaigns against Bangladesh and the West Indies, along with a tri-series victory where bowler Mohammad Nawaz claimed a hat-trick. Their last encounter against India ended in a dramatic batting collapse, a memory the team will be eager to overcome when the two sides meet on September 14 in Dubai.