NEW DELHI: The Pakistan cricket team, once a force to be reckoned with on the international stage, is currently experiencing an all-time low. Yet, they still possess players capable of defeating any side on their day.

Their struggles are such that they are not even considered the second-best team in Asia, a fact reflected during a pre-tri-series press conference.

When a journalist asked Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan a question and referred to his side as the second-best Asian team at the T20 World Cup behind India, Pakistan's new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha was left grinning - a reaction that quickly went viral on social media.

Salman will lead the young Pakistan's side following the exclusion of senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The timing of the incident is noteworthy, with Pakistan set to face Afghanistan and the UAE in a tri-series starting Friday - a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the Asia Cup.

Rashid also urged fans to steer clear of the ugly scenes that marred Pakistan and Afghanistan's 2022 clash in Sharjah, reminding that cricket is meant to 'bring people and nations together.' The venue will once again host the opening game of the upcoming tri-series between the two sides.

"[My] message to everyone who comes and watches the games in the stadium is that cricket brings unity," Rashid said. "It brings people and nations together. It sends a peaceful message. This game is all about enjoyment. We play this game to enjoy ourselves and give entertainment to the crowd and the fans. It's just a game of cricket. I ask people to come, enjoy themselves, support their respective teams and enjoy every moment of the game."