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As the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo prepares to host the high voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, the pre-match talk has shifted toward player availability. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, has added a sporting twist to the rivalry by expressing his hope that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma will be fit to feature in the blockbuster encounter.
I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow: Salman Ali Agha
The explosive left-hander is currently a major doubt for the match after a bout of stomach flu forced him to sit out India’s previous fixture against Namibia. Despite the competitive stakes, Agha emphasised his desire to face India’s strongest possible lineup, noting that he wants to compete against the best players available. While Sharma's status remains uncertain, the Pakistan captain's comments have highlighted a rare moment of professional respect amidst the high-pressure buildup.
"I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow. I hope he's recovering well. We want to play against the best," Salman Agha said at the pre-match press conference.
Beyond the tactical discussions, Salman Ali Agha has publicly called for an end to the handshake snub that has come to define recent encounters. This tension stems from India’s decision to skip the traditional post-match formalities during the Asia Cup as a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. The move sparked a significant international row, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accusing India of injecting politics into the sport and undermining the fundamental principles of sportsmanship.
Addressing the issue ahead of the Colombo clash, Agha made it clear that he expects a return to standard cricketing etiquette. He urged the Indian side to move past the previous friction and uphold the spirit of the game during their T20 World Cup meeting.
"We hope the sportsman spirit is there tomorrow,"
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Salman Ali Agha on hype around Usman Tariq
The spotlight ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown has shifted toward Usman Tariq, whose unconventional bowling style has become a major talking point. Tariq has consistently troubled batsmen with a unique sidearm delivery characterized by a distinct, rhythmic pause just before he releases the ball. This deceptive timing has led many analysts to warn the Indian top order to exercise extreme caution when facing him in the upcoming match.
In addition to his effectiveness, Tariq’s technique has sparked significant debate regarding its legality. He has faced repeated accusations of "throwing" or having an illegal bowling action due to the complexity of his delivery stride.
"He’s only a player to us. You (media) have hyped him. We don’t care about what people are saying about his action. The guy has been cleared twice and I don’t understand why there is so much talk," Agha concluded.
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