Agha also downplayed Pakistan's historical record against India, emphasizing a fresh approach for each match. The team is reportedly well-prepared, with specific plans for Indian batsmen.

Colombo: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on Saturday championed the controversial bowling of Usman Tariq, labelling the "pause and sling" off-spinner as the team’s secret weapon for Sunday's high-stakes T20 World Cup clash against India.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Agha dismissed swirling allegations regarding the legality of the 27-year-old’s delivery. Tariq, who recently dismantled the United States with a three-wicket haul, utilises a distinctive mid-stride freeze that has flummoxed batters and drawn scrutiny from critics.

“Usman is one among our 15 players; we treat him like that. You [media] people have made him big,” Agha initially remarked, attempting to temper the growing frenzy. However, he eventually acknowledged the spinner’s central role: “He has been bowling very well for the past few months... And yes, you can say that he is a trump card for us.”

The Legitimacy Debate

Tariq’s action, characterised by a statue-like pause before a slinging release, has been a lightning rod for "chucking" accusations throughout the tournament. Agha, however, insisted the bowler remains unfazed.

“He doesn't care about these things. Since the time he has started cricket, these talks have been going on about him,” Agha noted. “The guy has been cleared twice, and he has done whatever ICC said and whatever it requires to bowl in international cricket. He is smart enough and mature enough to deal with all this.”

Strategic Depth and Past Records

While the tacky R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is expected to

favour slow bowlers, Agha emphasised that Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, remains a vital component of their strategy.

“It is possible that the spinner dominates here, but I think the fast bowler will have roles here as well,” the 32-year-old skipper said. He highlighted Afridi's versatility as a key factor against an Indian lineup known for its aggressive power-hitters.

Addressing Pakistan’s historically poor record against India in ICC events, Agha refused to be burdened by the weight of the past. “You can't change history. You can learn from it. We learned from it,” he said. “Whenever you come to play a new match, it's a new day.”

Diplomatic Tensions Sidestepped

The buildup to the match was nearly derailed by a proposed boycott from the Pakistan government in a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, which opted out of the tournament earlier this year. Agha confirmed the team has moved past the administrative drama.

“We were prepared for everything; we were prepared whether we play or not,” he said. Regarding the ongoing snub where Indian players have refused customary handshakes due to geopolitical tensions, Agha remained diplomatic, stating simply, “We will find out tomorrow.”

Pakistan enters the match seeking to stabilise its Group A standings, with Agha asserting that the team has developed specific death-bowling plans for all 11 Indian players. "It is basically routine work... we have been doing it for the last 6-7 months," he added.

With inputs from PTI

Published: 14 Feb 2026, 05:42 pm IST

Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.