Agha calls for focus beyond Babar Azam ahead of T20I series

Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday urged a shift in focus from individual stars to collective performance as the national side prepares to face Australia in a three-match T20I series in Lahore.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference, Agha said the team was charting its own course and was not influenced by external noise or excessive attention on star players.

“We are moving in our own direction. The next three matches are very important. This series will give us a good idea about our 11 players,” Agha said.

The right-handed batter expressed hope that the spotlight would not remain fixed on former captain Babar Azam alone, stressing that the squad had depth and multiple match-winners.

“I hope that when I attend the press conference, there are no questions about Babar. There are 14 other players, batsmen in the team, so think about them as well and talk about them too. Let him be and focus on batting,” he said.

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Agha underlined the importance of clarity in roles and adaptability during the series, describing it as a key test ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“The series against Australia is very important for us. Roles are clear for every player; we know exactly what we need from each one. We should play according to what the team requires. If a run rate of six is needed, I will play accordingly; if 10 is needed, I will adjust,” he added.

Commenting on the opposition, Agha said Australia remained a formidable side regardless of the absence of some senior players, calling the series an opportunity for Pakistan to assert themselves.

“Australia’s mindset is consistent; even if their main players are missing, it doesn’t make a difference. For us, this is an opportunity to win the series. You have to play according to what the team demands; you can’t choose your own position. Usman Tariq can prove to be a trump card for us,” he said.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh also highlighted the importance of the series as World Cup preparation and praised Pakistan’s fast-bowling tradition.

“I’m really excited to be here as this series is ideal preparation for the World Cup. Pakistan have a great tradition of fast bowling and I’m looking forward to facing Shaheen Shah Afridi,” Marsh said.

“Winning away from home is always tough, especially in these conditions, but that’s exactly what makes it a great challenge for us,” he added.

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All three matches of the series will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The first T20I is scheduled for Thursday, followed by the second on Saturday and the third on Sunday.

The series will also serve as vital match practice for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Pakistan squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.

Australia squad

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Travis Head, and Xavier Bartlett.

Series schedule (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

• 1st T20I: Thursday, 29 January – 4:00pm PKT
• 2nd T20I: Saturday, 31 January – 4:00pm PKT
• 3rd T20I: Sunday, 1 February – 4:00pm PKT