COLOMBO: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has expressed unwavering confidence in his squad as they gear up for the high-stakes ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
In a pre-match press conference, Agha was questioned about emerging pacer Usman Tariq’s bowling action amid ongoing debates. The captain dismissed the controversy, citing Tariq’s official clearances and mental composure.
“There has been some talk about Usman Tariq’s action. He has been cleared twice by the authorities, so I am not sure why the discussion continues. It doesn’t affect him at all,” Agha stated. He added, “People are entitled to their opinions, and scrutiny comes with being in the spotlight.”
Highlighting the importance of team cohesion, Agha stressed that every player contributes equally to Pakistan’s prospects. “All our players are vital. Usman Tariq has been shaped by the team, and he is definitely a trump card for us,” he praised, signaling the young pacer’s significance in Pakistan’s game plan.
On preparations for the marquee clash, Agha affirmed that the squad is ready and well-acquainted with local conditions. “We are prepared to play quality cricket. The pitch is familiar, and every player in our 15-member squad is important. Any of them can step up,” he said, underscoring the depth and flexibility of the side.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s previous World Cup encounters with India, Agha acknowledged the historical challenges but emphasized learning from past experiences. “Our record hasn’t been ideal, but we have analyzed it and are ready to approach tomorrow’s match with a fresh mindset. The final XI will be decided after evaluating the pitch,” he revealed.
When discussing India’s formidable batting lineup, including star batter Babar Azam, Agha remained calm yet respectful. He recognized Azam’s form but reiterated Pakistan’s focus on executing their strategy. “Babar Azam is scoring consistently, but that doesn’t concern us. Our focus is on our game, and we hope to perform at our best tomorrow,” he concluded.
With confidence in Tariq and a balanced squad, Pakistan heads into the clash with India aiming to turn historical lessons into a winning performance in this ICC T20 World Cup showdown.
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