Pakistan’s emerging fast bowler Salman Mirza has termed the ongoing preparations in Dubai as a golden opportunity for the national team ahead of the highly anticipated Asia Cup.
Speaking to the media at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, Mirza said, “We recently played a match here, and it has really helped us get used to the conditions. It’s been a great experience and personally very beneficial for me.”
Mirza emphasized the importance of being prepared for all kinds of match situations. “I didn’t complete the practice match, but it was a good responsibility placed on me. If a challenging situation arises during a real game, I now feel more confident in handling it,” he stated.
While primarily a bowler, Mirza mentioned he occasionally practices batting as well. “I don’t focus much on the hype or the noise. I just concentrate on my role. Batting is something I enjoy from time to time, but bowling remains my priority,” he added.
Highlighting the team environment, he said, “We have a very positive squad. Even if someone faces a tough moment, there’s no pressure from the team. The communication is clear, and that makes it easy for players to stay focused.”
When asked about the pressure of big games, especially against India, Mirza remarked, “Pressure games are the true test of a player. Only when you are put in such situations do you grow. We’re not just preparing for India – we’re getting ready for all teams.”
Regarding the competition, Mirza noted that the Asia Cup will feature some high-intensity matches. “Afghanistan will be playing in conditions that suit them, so those games will be challenging as well. But it’s a great platform for all teams to gear up ahead of bigger tournaments,” he said.
He concluded by expressing hope for strong results, saying, “The team is shaping up well, preparations are going strong, and fans can expect exciting cricket throughout the tournament.”
