KEY POINTS
- Agha states series is a direct dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup.
- Captain focuses on emerging talent in absence of senior stars.
- Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay singled out as exciting prospect.
- Team management welcomes “good headache” of abundant all-rounders.
DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha outlined his team’s strategic mindset on the eve of a crucial series against Sri Lanka, framing it as a vital preparatory step for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Agha emphasised the advantage of playing all three matches in Sri Lanka ahead of the global tournament.
“This series is all about preparing for the [World Cup], and it will obviously help us understand the conditions better,” he stated, noting Pakistan’s familiarity with the venues.
New era begins as stars absent
Agha acknowledged the challenge of leading a squad missing several senior stars but framed it as an opportunity.
“The players we have brought here are very good. There are a few players who are the future of Pakistan cricket, and hopefully, they will perform well,” he said, signalling a focus on emerging talent.
Spotlight on exciting prospect Nafay
The captain singled out newcomer Khawaja Nafay for particular praise.
“I think Khawaja Nafay is very exciting, a very good batsman. The best thing about him is that he can keep as well,” Agha revealed, indicating the wicketkeeper-batter is in contention for a debut.
“Good headache” of all-rounder wealth
Addressing the return of Shadab Khan from injury, Agha discussed the welcome challenge of managing multiple all-rounders.
“Managing them is a challenge, but it’s a good headache, and I don’t mind that,” he said, highlighting the squad’s flexibility.
ILT20 returnees bolster squad
Agha also welcomed players arriving from the UAE’s ILT20, where they were part of the championship-winning team.
“Congratulations to the players coming from ILT20, hopefully, they can continue the same form here,” he added.
Series schedule and historical context
The three-match series will be played entirely at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on January 7, 9, and 11.
It serves as a key build-up to the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan holds a historical edge in T20Is, winning 16 of the 27 meetings between the sides.
Pakistan Squad
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
