Kamal Ghorui
Former champions Pakistan, who lifted the title in 2009, are entering the tournament amid controversy following their decision to boycott the February 15 group match against arch-rivals India. The move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India citing security concerns.
Asked how the team was coping with the situation, Salman said the focus was firmly on cricket. “By just avoiding that. It’s something we, as a group, we don’t really talk about and we don’t really see what’s happening outside in the group. And I think that’s the best we can do. We can avoid all this and just focus on our game.”
Since September last year, Indian teams have adopted a no-handshake policy with Pakistan in international matches in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam attack. Salman said such developments were unfortunate. “We don’t really feel hurt or anything like that. But for the game it is not good. These things obviously should not happen,” he said.
Emphasising the responsibility players carry, he added: “Growing up as a kid, I’ve always seen people doing what was required for the game to be improved. We, to some extent, are role models… So, I think these things should not happen. Because if you think of role models, I think role models don’t do this stuff.”
By boycotting the India match, Pakistan will forfeit two crucial points, meaning they must win their remaining three games to progress. Apart from India, their group includes the Netherlands, USA and Namibia.
Salman insisted there was no added pressure. “No, there is no pressure at all because whenever you come to an ICC tournament, you have to win almost all of your games,” he said, adding that the team arrived with the mindset of winning every match.
Pakistan could also face weather challenges in Colombo, where their group games are scheduled, with their only warm-up match against Ireland washed out. “Weather is not in our control… and we only think about how to win the three matches that we have…”
Addressing criticism of Pakistan’s past ICC performances against India, Salman said improvement was the priority. “We cannot run away from that… our effort is that we enhance our game and the mistakes that we made earlier, should not be repeated.”
He acknowledged death bowling as a concern but expressed optimism, and also backed Usman Tariq amid scrutiny over his action. “Yes, he is the X Factor of the team… we will definitely use him there.”
Squads:
Netherlands Squad: Michael Levitt, Max ODowd, Bas de Leede, Zach Lion Cachet, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards(w/c), Noah Croes, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten, Saqib Zulfiqar, Fred Klaassen
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
