‘Winning Champions Trophy more important than…’ - Salman Agha speaks about massive IND vs PAK clash during upcoming tournament

Pakistan star Salman Agha has made a huge statement on the upcoming match against India on Sunday. This is the fifth time both sides will play each other in Champions Trophy tournament. The last meeting saw Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the title in 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy. 

During his chat with former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt, Men in Green’s vice-captain said, “The atmosphere during an India vs Pakistan game remains very different. As they say it is the biggest game in the world. But the thing is it is just one game, so winning the Champions Trophy is more important, rather than winning that one game.”

The 31-year-old also said, “If we win that match and don’t win the Champions Trophy, then there is no use. God forbid if we lose that match and go onto win the title then it will be a big thing. But we all want to win the India match, and we will try to win it. I will also try to give my best performance against them.”

Salman Agha dreams of lifting the title in his hometown 

The 31-year-old Salman Agha was recently part of the biggest ODI chase where Pakistan scored 353 runs to beat South Africa. Salman Agha himself scored a century along with skipper Mohammad Rizwan. This helped the hosts reach the finals of the tri-series where they lost to New Zealand. 

Salman Agha said, “I am excited for Champions Trophy as Pakistan is hosting an ICC event is special. Being from Lahore, lifting the trophy in my hometown would be a dream come true for me. The Pakistan team has the potential to win it.”

Meanwhile, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has slammed his team for their recent performances. Mohammad Rizwan’s side were easily outplayed by New Zealand in the finals to win the Tri-series tournament. Basit Ali called out underperforming players ahead of the Champions Trophy tournament. 

Ali while speaking on his YouTube channel said, “You should know how to make runs on pitches like this one. You should know how to tackle the bowler, but they couldn't do it. Use your brain. Let New Zealand play India, you will see the difference." 
The former Pakistan batter also said, “When the Indian spinners come on to bowl, their approach is to take wickets by stopping the flow of runs. For that, they bowl good overs (to create pressure) instead of trying to get a wicket every ball. Our spinners want a wicket every ball. That's the difference."