Pakistan Eye Present, Not Past, Ahead of T20 Series in Bangladesh

Just two months ago, Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20 series at home. Now, the tables turn as Pakistan arrive in Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series, starting in Mirpur. Ahead of the opening match, Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the media, stating that his team is focused on the present, not the past.

“This is an away condition for us. Bangladesh are a good team anywhere, but even more so at home,” said Salman. “We know what challenges lie ahead. We’re excited and ready to take them on.”

Under a new coaching setup, Pakistan are looking to bring some changes to their approach, hinted Salman. Emphasizing the significance of conditions, he added:

“We want to adapt our game. Conditions play a big role. We need to assess what they’re like here and play accordingly. With the bat, our goal is to post big totals; with the ball, to strike early.”

Pakistan's squad includes two uncapped young fast bowlers, a fact that excites the skipper:

“We’ve got two new pacers in the squad. They’re full of potential. I’m hopeful and thrilled to see what they bring.”

Despite recent success against Bangladesh, Salman insisted his team isn’t dwelling on the past:

“We’re not thinking about what happened nine years ago or even two months back. We’re focused on our game, ball by ball, match by match. If we can win all three games, we’ll be very happy.”

The team also benefits from players familiar with local conditions, thanks to their experience in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and coaching staff with Bangladesh experience.

“Many of our players have featured in the BPL. They’ve shared insights about the conditions and helped with planning,” said Salman.

The Mirpur pitch, often a talking point for its unpredictability, didn’t escape attention either. Salman acknowledged the challenge but called for respect:

“Conditions will play a big role, but no matter where you go in the world, you must respect the conditions—not just Mirpur.”

On the preparation front, Salman confirmed the team is well-prepared:

“We had a good camp in Karachi. We tried to prepare as best as possible, ensuring our training matched the expected match scenarios.”

Finally, he acknowledged the rapid evolution of T20 cricket, while maintaining confidence in his team:

“T20 cricket is evolving every six months. We want to stick to our basics. Whoever comes into the team must perform. We’re optimistic about the players we have now.”