Karachi: Pakistan’s cricket captain, Salman Ali Agha, has indicated that the national squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is likely to remain largely unchanged. Speaking on a podcast for the Pakistan Cricket Board, Salman shared his vision for the team’s composition as they prepare for the tournament set to take place in India and Sri Lanka next year.
The team is currently in good form, having recently triumphed in a tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka under Salman’s leadership. This recent success has positioned the Pakistani side favorably as they look towards the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.
Salman emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “I don’t think there will be any major changes before the World Cup; this will be the combination. All players have been given their roles, and we will move forward with these roles.” He further noted that with only six matches left before the World Cup, it is crucial to maintain stability within the squad.
The decision to stick with the current squad is expected to benefit key players like former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah, who have been reintegrated into the team following a period of absence.
Salman expressed optimism about the team’s progress, citing increased confidence and cohesion as they continue to play together. “We have played with this group for six months, and the results have started to come,” he remarked, expressing his aspirations for Pakistan to win the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
He also highlighted the advantage of having experienced players familiar with Sri Lankan pitches, which he believes will aid the squad’s preparation. Salman concluded by acknowledging that while the team is on a promising trajectory, there remains room for improvement as they aim to meet the expectations of their supporters.