Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha talking through the pre-series press convention forward of the three-match T20I collection in opposition to Australia in Lahore on January 28, 2026. — PCB
LAHORE: Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday mentioned that the upcoming T20 collection in opposition to Australia would assist the workforce finalise their taking part in XI for the T20 World Cup.
In the course of the pre-series press convention, Agha mentioned: “We are moving in our own direction. The next three matches are very important. This series will give us a good idea about our 11 players.”
He burdened the significance of collective efficiency over particular person accolades because the workforce prepares to tackle Australia within the three-match collection, which kicks off on Thursday.
In the course of the pre-series press convention, Agha highlighted that the workforce is targeted on carving its personal path fairly than being influenced by media consideration or star gamers.
The suitable-handed batter expressed his want for the media to shift focus away from star batter Babar Azam and take note of the opposite gamers within the squad.
“I hope that when I attend the press conference, there are no questions about Babar. There are 14 other players, batsmen in the team, so think about them as well and talk about them too. Let him be and focus on batting,” he acknowledged.
The center-order batter emphasised the importance of the collection, underlining that each workforce member is conscious of their function and the necessity for adaptability based mostly on match conditions.
“The series against Australia is very important for us. Roles are clear for every player; we know exactly what we need from each one. We should play according to what the team requires. If a run rate of 6 is needed, I will play accordingly; if 10 is needed, I will adjust,” he added.
Addressing Australia’s energy and consistency, he famous that the absence of key gamers won’t diminish their problem. Agha framed the collection as an important alternative for Pakistan to say themselves.
“Australia’s mindset is consistent; even if their main players are missing, it doesn’t make a difference. For us, this is an opportunity to win the series. You have to play according to what the team demands; you can’t choose your own position. Usman Tariq can prove to be a trump card for us,” he concluded.
The second and third T20Is of the collection can even be performed on the similar venue on January 31 and February 1, respectively. The toss for every match is scheduled for five:30pm PKT, with the primary ball to be bowled at 6:00pm PKT.
The collection will provide important match apply for each groups forward of the T20 World Cup, which will likely be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, whereas Australia is in Group B with Sri Lanka, Eire, Zimbabwe and Oman.
This marks Australia’s third go to to Pakistan since March–April 2022, after they toured for a historic Check collection, adopted by an ODI collection and a single T20I.
The Kangaroos additionally performed three matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, together with a slender three-wicket T20I win at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022.
Traditionally, Australia and Pakistan have confronted off 28 occasions in T20 internationals, with Australia claiming 14 wins and Pakistan 12. One match led to a tie and one other produced no end result.
Trophy for Pakistan-Australia T20I collection unveiled
Earlier, the glittering trophy for the extremely anticipated three-match T20I collection between hosts Pakistan and Australia was unveiled.
The silverware was introduced by Pakistan captain Agha and his Australian counterpart Mitchell Marsh earlier than the pre-series press convention at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha (left) and Australia’s Mitchell Marsh pictured with the T20I collection trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 28, 2026 — PCB
The collection opener is scheduled for Thursday, with the second and third T20Is additionally set to be performed on the similar venue on January 31 and February 1, respectively.
The toss for every match will happen at 5:30pm PKT, with the primary ball scheduled for six:00pm PKT.
The collection will present essential match apply for each groups forward of the T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, whereas Australia is in Group B with Sri Lanka, Eire, Zimbabwe and Oman.
This marks Australia’s third tour of Pakistan since March–April 2022, after they performed a historic Check collection, adopted by an ODI collection and a single T20I.
Australia additionally performed three matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, together with a slender three-wicket T20I win at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022.
Australia and Pakistan have confronted one another 28 occasions in T20 internationals, with Australia profitable 14 matches and Pakistan 12. One match led to a tie and one other produced no end result.
