Lahore: Pakistan have decided to bat first after winning the toss against Bangladesh in first T-20I of three match series here in Lahore Qaddafi Stadium.
Addressing a pre-series press conference at the media center of the Gaddafi stadium here on yesterday, Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has said that Pakistan cricket team will follow modern day attacking cricket approach under him and play ‘fearless but not careless’ cricket.
He said it is a luxury to have so many aggressive players in the pool, adding that explosive Hasan Nawaz will play in the middle order as he proved his mettle in the middle as well.
“No team is an easy opposition in international and we will try to play good cricket and overcome Bangladesh in the three match series,” he responded.
On Sufyan Muqeem’s absence in the team, he reasoned that Gaddafi stadium pitch is not that helpful for spinner and that’s why he was not included in the team for the Bangladesh series. However, he added that Sufyan Muqeem will be part of the future white-ball cricket of Pakistan.
Praising Bangladesh’s current fast bowling trio, Agha said that Bangladesh has the best fast bowling trio in their recent history, adding that the Men in Green have their plans against the Bangladesh bowlers. He further said that Bangladesh is a quality side.
Salman Ali Agha attributed quick changes in the team as part of the plans to prepare a pool of 20-25 cricketers who could be available for selection for the ICC T20I World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka, adding that these players will help in replacements if injury occurs to some players.
“It’s a good headache to have too many in-form players for team selection as captain,” he responded, adding that this will help him form a good team to do well at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and beyond.
Salman Ali Agha, to a query, hinted at inclusion of some senior players as well in the T20I squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup, adding that only those team do well at the international level which keep a balance between youth and age.
Playing 11 of the match will be
Fakhar Zaman
Sayim Ayub
Muhammad Harris
Salman Ali Agha (C)
Hassan Nawaz
Shadab Khan
Khushdil Shah
Fahim Ashraf
Hassan Ali
Harris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed
