T20 World Cup: Ind vs Pak | Pakistan captain Salman Agha backs spinner Usman Tariq

The scrutiny over Usman Tariq’s bowling action and the pressure of playing India, were the recurrent themes when Salman Agha faced the media at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday (February 14, 2026).

“ICC has tested him and cleared him twice, I don’t know what the fuss is all about. Anyway, he doesn’t get bothered,” the Pakistan skipper said while backing his off-spinner, whose pause in the delivery stride stirred debate.

Asked about his team’s mindspace considering Pakistan’s initial hesitation to play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup, Salman said: “The magnitude of the game has always increased. When we came here, we were prepared for everything.”

Insisting that his top-four batters are sorted, Salman quipped about a few greys in his beard due to the pressure of captaincy. “We have a lot of spinners, and fast bowlers, who can dominate. We have 15 players and I can play any 11, I am confident about them,” Salman said.

Reiterating that cricket should be played in the right spirit, Salman also had a quick response when asked about the lack of handshakes from the Indian side, and what he expects on Sunday. “We will see about it tomorrow,” he said.