Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha suffered a neck spasm ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash. [Photo Source: AFP]
The Pakistan cricket team faced a major concern ahead of their highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash with India. Captain Salman Ali Agha suffered a neck spasm during training in Dubai. The 31-year-old was seen with a bandage on his neck and skipped practice sessions on Wednesday.
Reports suggested that the skipper avoided both batting drills and football exercises because of pain and stiffness. This raised concerns within the Pakistan camp as the team gears up for their first match against Oman on September 11 and the blockbuster India clash on September 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) downplayed the scare, and officials confirmed that Salman’s injury is “a minor issue” and assured that he will be fit to play against India. According to team management, he was rested only as a precaution.
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Salman himself sounded confident about his return. “I think we are playing good cricket, we started that a few months ago. Things are coming together, as a team we are playing good cricket and looking forward to this tournament, and everyone is very excited,” he said ahead of the opening match.
Before facing India, Pakistan will play their first Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman on September 11 in Dubai. Salman’s men will be eager to start strong and carry momentum into the high-pressure game against India.
The captain’s fitness will be closely monitored by the medical staff. If his recovery slows, Pakistan may have to consider backup leadership options within the squad.
On the other side, India began their campaign with a thumping nine-wicket win over the UAE. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased down a target of 58 in just 4.3 overs. The early dominance has put India in high spirits before their clash with Pakistan.
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This adds more pressure on Salman Ali Agha’s side, who will need their skipper fit and firing to match India’s form.
Salman Ali Agha's fitness issues could be a decisive test of Pakistan's leadership. It may be necessary for senior players like Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen SHah Afridi to step up. The captain's involvement could be vital for strategy and morale as Pakistan seeks to break their jinx against their bitter rivals and India appears to be merciless.
Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
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