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"Ready For India Challenge": Salman Agha Drops Boycott Talk After Pakistan Reach Super 4

Akshita Patel

Salman Agha ready to take on India [Source: @ACCMedia1/X.com]Salman Agha ready to take on India [Source: @ACCMedia1/X.com]

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has sent out a strong message ahead of their high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India, saying his side is “ready for any challenge.” The two arch-rivals will meet on September 21 in what promises to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament.

Agha’s remarks came after Pakistan sealed their Super Four spot with a 41-run win over the UAE. While the victory secured progression, Pakistan’s batting worries remained on full display. 

Salman Agha Warns India Ahead Of Super Four Clash

Meanwhile, after their boycott threat backfired, Pakistan competed against the UAE and qualified for the Super Four stage, where they are likely to face India again. 

Suddenly, captain Salman Agha’s tone changed in the post-match presentation as he expressed his willingness not only to play against India but also to challenge them.

"We are ready for any challenge. We just want to play good cricket, and if we play good cricket like we've been playing for the last few months," Agha said. 

Notably, in the Group A clash, Pakistan scored just 127 runs against India and lost by 7 wickets with 25 balls to spare. Still, Agha seems surprisingly confident.

Another thing the Pakistan skipper highlighted is his team’s batting woes. Against the UAE, they posted only 146/9, with Shaheen Afridi’s late unbeaten 29 off 14 balls saving them from further embarrassment. 

"We got the job done but we needed to bat better in the middle overs. The bowlers did well. We haven't batted to our best yet. If we batted well, we would have ended up with 170-180. Shaheen is a match winner. His batting has improved. Abrar has been outstanding. He is someone who is bringing us back into the games," he added.

The top- and middle-order struggles were glaring, as young opener Saim Ayub failed to score a single run in three matches, while Agha himself admitted his side must improve between overs 7 and 15.

Salman Agha’s Own Form Is Questionable 

Before pinning the blame on his teammates, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has to do some self-introspection. In the last 10 T20Is, his scores were 20, 3, 0, 24, 7, 20, 5, 53*, 30 and 9. He is not contributing in the middle order and has thus far failed to prove his mettle as a captain as well. Hence, to challenge India, Agha has to throw in every ounce of talent and skill he possesses.