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'Will Miss Fakhar Zaman And Saim Ayub…': Agha Salman Rues Before T20I Series Vs New Zealand

Aakash Saini

Agha Salman, and Saim Ayub with Fakhar Zaman [Source: @DostiFM98/x, @ahtashamriaz22/Instagram]Agha Salman, and Saim Ayub with Fakhar Zaman [Source: @DostiFM98/x, @ahtashamriaz22/Instagram]

Pakistan T20I captain Agha Salman is optimistic about his team’s prospects against New Zealand in the upcoming five-match series. While speaking at the pre-match press conference on March 15, i.e., a day before the series opener at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Salman said that the current Pakistan team can play good cricket against the ‘Black Caps’, in spite of the absence of several senior players.

However, the Pakistani all-rounder also rued the absence of injured batting superstars like Fakhar Zaman and young Saim Ayub, who are yet to attain full recovery.

Agha Salman optimistic despite injury setbacks

While speaking with the reporters ahead of the first T20I match against New Zealand, newly-appointed T20I captain Agha Salman addressed Pakistan’s recent struggles in international cricket and claimed that the current team still has a “strong combination” in spite of the absence of several senior pros like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He said:

“We didn’t play up to our own standards or the expectations of our fans, which is why they are disappointed. But we have a new team, and that doesn’t mean it’s not a good team. There are experienced players in the squad as well, and we believe we have a strong combination to play good cricket and win.”

Agha Salman also rued the injury setbacks of explosive Pakistan top-order batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, considering both cricketers are yet to attain full recovery. The all-rounder further stated that even though New Zealand surfaces look green, they will still offer some assistance to Pakistani spinners. He added:

“The pitch looks green, but spinners will also get some assistance. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have performed well in T20 cricket, and we will miss Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are key players. Thankfully, they are recovering quickly and should be back in action for the upcoming series.”

It is worth noting that Saim Ayub suffered an injury during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa earlier this year, and Fakhar Zaman suffered a knee injury during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy last month.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series between March 16 and March 26.