Salman Ali Agha has moved to shut down speculation of friction with captain Babar Azam, insisting their relationship remains strong and that the senior batter continues to have a positive impact on Pakistan’s young dressing room.
Speaking candidly, Salman underlined the value of Babar’s presence in the squad and said the captain’s professionalism still sets the standard. He also expressed confidence that Pakistan can win the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Salman said, “He is a very good friend of mine. There is no need to explain anything to Babar Azam. He knows where he is going wrong. He told me earlier that form comes and goes. It is normal, so it is important to maintain balance in the team.”
He highlighted Babar’s sustained output for the national side, adding, “Babar Azam has delivered outstanding performances for Pakistan in the last seven or eight years. In the last two or three years he may not have played to the expectations of fans, but he listens to everyone, even the junior players.”
With six matches left before the T20 World Cup, Salman said he does not believe the squad needs significant changes. He argued that continuity and clarity of roles will be crucial in the buildup to the tournament.
“I do not think there will be any big changes before the ODI or T20 World Cup,” Salman said. “The team will play with the same combination. Every player has been given a specific responsibility and we will continue with that. We have six matches left, where we need to play consistently.”
He added that stability has begun to produce results, saying, “We cannot make big changes in six matches. For the last six months we have been playing with the same group and the results have started to come. I want us to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, then the 2027 ODI World Cup.”
