Salman Ali Agha looks ahead to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against India

Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and two of their standout players, Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed, recently shared insights into their journeys, team dynamics, expectations for the upcoming tournament and the much-anticipated clash against India. 

In a recent podcast of PCB, Salman emphasized the importance of winning the tournament over any individual match, including the highly anticipated clash with India. 

"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. 

The rivalry between Pakistan and India is always intense, but Salman believes that the focus should remain on the bigger picture: the tournament win.

Salman Ali Agha, who has represented Pakistan in 60 international games, also spoke about his evolution in cricket and his 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.

"I’m really enjoying the role. It’s a new challenge, but I’m trying to balance it with my game," he said. 

Salman also revealed that playing against top teams, like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, is more rewarding for him compared to matches against teams like Zimbabwe, where expectations feel heavier.

On Pakistan’s recent victories, including the 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. Having made a mark in both Test and limited-overs formats, Abrar is known for his unorthodox bowling style. He attributes his mystery spin to hours of practice and inspiration from bowlers like Sunil Narine and Ajantha Mendis.

Reflecting on his role as a mystery spinner, Abrar humbly stated, "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.

Abrar also highlighted that David Miller of South Africa is one batter who has consistently read his deliveries well, making him one of the toughest players to bowl to. 

"Miller has been the most difficult for me to bowl to. He picks up my deliveries very well," he admitted, noting that his strategy against Miller is to focus on dot balls and wait for a mistake.

With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, Abrar shared his excitement at playing in his first major 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.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan playing against New Zealand in the tournament opener.