The Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has stressed the importance of winning the Champions Trophy 2025 over focusing on the IND-PAK clash in the tournament.
Players Salman Ali Agha, and Abrar Ahmed have shared their insights and expectations for the upcoming tournament and the much-anticipated clash against India.
Salman has weighed the importance of winning the tournament over any individual match, including the IND-PAK rivalry.
“Winning the Champions Trophy is the ultimate goal. Of course, we want to beat India, but if we lose to them and still win the tournament, that’s a bigger achievement,” he said.
He feels that Pakistan and India are always intense, but Salman believes that the focus should remain on the bigger picture.
The all-rounder has played 60 international games, and also spoke about his evolution and rise to vice-captain of the white-ball team.
Salman who has been performing consistently, shared that the role of vice-captain comes with added responsibility, but he enjoys balancing leadership with his on-field performances.
5️⃣8️⃣th edition of the PCB Podcast released! 🎙️
Salman Butt interviews Pakistan white-ball vice-captain @SalmanAliAgha1 and spinner Abrar Ahmed 🏏
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🗒️ https://t.co/VEqCZeP3J7 pic.twitter.com/XA9qFS4fUC— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 15, 2025
“I’m really enjoying the role. It’s a new challenge, but I’m trying to balance it with my game,” Salman Ali Agha said.
He also played against top teams like New Zealand, Australia and South Africa is more rewarding for him compared to matches against teams like Zimbabwe.
He was part of Pakistan’s historic win in Australia after 22 years and the 3-0 whitewash of South Africa. Salman expressed his confidence that these achievements will serve as a huge morale booster for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“The confidence from these victories will definitely help us moving forward,” he said.
Meanwhile Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, shared his unique story and journey to international cricket. Known for his unorthodox bowling styling, his mystery spin has been inspired from bowlers like Sunil Narine and Ajantha Mendis.
“There’s nothing particularly mysterious about it,” but added that the ability to deceive batters with variations like the googly has been a key part of his success,” said Abrar Ahmed.
He also highlighted that South Africa’s David Miller is one batter who has consistently read his deliveries well, making him one of the toughest players to bowl.
“Miller has been the most difficult for me to bowl to. He picks up my deliveries very well,” Abrar said.
Abrar Ahmed also shared his excitement at playing in his first ICC tournament on home soil.
“This will be my first ICC tournament, and the excitement among the fans is huge. I’ve imagined lifting the trophy in front of my home crowd in Lahore, and that would be the best moment of my career,” he said.
As per Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Schedule, the hosts will play their first match against New Zealand on February 19 at National Stadium Karachi.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Best Playing 11 for Champions Trophy 2025
