The surprise inclusion of batsman Salman Ali Agha in Pakistan’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 squad has left fans and former cricketers with questions, particularly given his recent performance in the Asia Cup 2023. During that tournament, he played four matches, scoring 40 runs with an average of 20 and a strike rate of 59.70, with a high score of 23 against India.
Facing criticism and doubts about his form and selection, Salman Ali Agha explained the reason behind his inclusion in the 50-over World Cup during a press conference. He stressed that his place in the Pakistan squad is the result of his dedicated performance in domestic cricket over the past 8-10 years.
He stated, “Every cricketer dreams of playing in the World Cup, and it was my dream too when I was growing up. I’ve put in years of hard work in domestic cricket, and my selection in the World Cup squad is proof of that.”
Addressing concerns about Pakistan’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023, Salman Ali Agha mentioned that the team has moved past that disappointment and is now fully focused on the upcoming World Cup. He expressed confidence that the team is learning from their mistakes and has the support of the management.
“We will do our best to bring the trophy home and meet the expectations of our fans,” he added. Regarding strategies for the middle overs in ODIs, he highlighted the importance of both batting and bowling during this phase but noted that specific plans would depend on the team’s requirements as they start playing in the tournament.
