Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has said that selections for the T20 World Cup 2026 matches will be based on the best team combination rather than reputation. The all-rounder stated that even experienced Pakistan names like Fakhar Zaman or Babar Azam will miss out if they do not fit the balance.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA. They will begin their campaign against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 7. With the match against India set to be boycotted, the Men in Green must win all their remaining matches.
We Will Not Play Them – Salman Ali Agha on Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman
Speaking at the press conference, Salman Ali Agha said that they will pick the best combination from the 15 players. He stated that seniority will not guarantee a place, as Fakhar Zaman or Babar Azam can be dropped from the playing XI.
“15 log yahan par aaye hain aur jo best combination hai, mujhe lagta hai hum wahi khilane ki koshish karenge. Usmein agar koi senior player, ya Fakhar ya Babar fit nahi hote, toh hum unko nahi khilayenge. Hum wahi khilayenge jo team ke liye best hai,” Agha told reporters.
(15 players are here, and we will try to play the combination that we feel is the best. If any senior player, or Fakhar or Babar, is not fit, then we will not play them. We will play only those who are best for the team.)
Hum Playing XI Wahi Banayenge – Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha stated that Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam have performed consistently for Pakistan over the years. However, Agha said that past performances will not guarantee selection, and the playing XI will be picked based on what benefits the team the most.
“Aur Fakhar ne, I think, pichhle 10 saalon mein Pakistan ke liye bahut perform kiya hai, waise hi Babar ne bhi bahut perform kiya hai. Meri full support un logon ke saath hai, lekin jo team ke liye behtar hai, hum playing XI wahi banayenge,” Salman added.
(Fakhar has performed a lot for Pakistan over the last 10 years, and Babar has also delivered consistently. I fully support both of them, but we will select the playing XI based on what is best for the team.”)
Pakistan Face Pressure Amid Boycott and Weather Concerns
Pakistan will enter the tournament under pressure. The team will not take the field against India, which could seriously hurt their chances, as it would also damage their net run rate, leaving no room for mistakes in the remaining games.
The weather is another concern for Pakistan in Colombo. It is usually a dry period in Sri Lanka, but the city has seen heavy rain over the past week. Pakistan’s only warm-up match against Ireland was washed out at the Sinhalese Sports Club, and rain is again forecast for Saturday’s 11 AM game.
On the field, Pakistan have shown improvement in recent months as a group, but doubts remain. In the last T20 World Cup, a Super Over loss to the USA played a big role in their early exit after defeat to India. The Netherlands, known for upsetting stronger teams, will pose a challenge.
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