(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Salman Ali Agha Urges Pakistan to Embrace Modern T20 Cricket
Pakistan’s T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha, has stressed the urgent need for the national team to fully embrace modern, high-intent cricket. He warned that Pakistan has already been slow to adapt, drawing parallels with the decline of Pakistan hockey when it failed to evolve with the times.
A New Approach to T20 Cricket
Since becoming captain, Salman Ali Agha has outlined a clear strategy for how Pakistan should approach the shortest format. His vision includes:
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Fearless batting with greater intent in the powerplay
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Aggressive middle overs to maintain pressure
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Defined player roles focused on boundary-hitting
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Format-specific selections, with T20 tactics kept separate from other formats
The team management has backed this vision, emphasizing consistency in selection and the creation of a larger player pool suited to this style of cricket.
Warning Against Falling Behind
Salman cautioned that if Pakistan does not adapt soon, it risks going the same way as Pakistan hockey — once dominant, but left behind due to outdated methods. “Modern T20 cricket demands risk-taking and aggressive play. If we don’t accept this, we could be left behind,” he said.
Looking Ahead to Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan’s immediate test of this new approach will come in the Asia Cup 2025:
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September 12 – vs Oman (Dubai)
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September 14 – vs India (Dubai)
The Asia Cup will serve as an early litmus test for Pakistan’s transition to modern T20 cricket, with the 2025 T20 World Cup also on the horizon.
