Kamran Akmal Suggests Dropping Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha for Semi-Final Push

Karachi: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has suggested that bold decisions are needed if Pakistan aim to reach the semi-finals, including potentially dropping senior players.

Speaking on a private TV program, he said the team now needs victories with a strong net run rate and must adjust its strategy accordingly.

Referring to Babar Azam, Akmal stated that sometimes even big names must be rested for the team’s balance. He added that captain Salman Ali Agha could also be dropped if required.

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Host Shoaib Malik asked who would lead the side at the toss in that case, to which Akmal replied that vice-captain Shadab Khan could take on the responsibility.

Akmal also named his preferred playing XI, including Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Salman Mirza said in Colombo that although the semi-final scenario is delicate, the team has the capability to qualify and perform strongly. He noted that current conditions favor spinners, while fast bowlers continue to practice yorkers consistently.