Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has explained his unique celebration after scoring a century against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series. He also stressed the need to give greater respect to domestic cricket.
On Sunday, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening ODI of the tri-nation series.
Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs. Salman Ali Agha played an outstanding innings of 107 runs off 90 balls. It was the fourth century of his ODI career.
In reply to the target of 306 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs.
Speaking at a press conference after the match, Salman Ali Agha said that performing across all three formats was important to him. Fortunately, he added, his performances had been better in ODI cricket.
Salman Ali Agha said his batting approach remained the same across all three formats. He added that he had nothing to prove to anyone and did not need to respond to anyone.
“I love cricket, and I enjoy playing for Pakistan,” he said.
Explaining the reason behind his unique celebration after scoring the century, Salman Ali Agha said it was exclusively for his son, who watches cricket on television and celebrates in the same way.
He clarified that the gesture was not intended to send a message to anyone or prove anyone wrong.
In addition to explaining his celebration, Salman Agha called for domestic cricket to be given greater importance and respect. He said scoring runs at the domestic level required skill and considerable hard work.
Salman Ali Agha said that domestic cricket was not given the respect it deserved. Playing and scoring runs in domestic cricket was not easy, he added, and players who performed well at the domestic level could also succeed in international cricket.
He stressed that players competing in domestic cricket deserved respect.
Salman Ali Agha also acknowledged that his last three Test matches had not gone well, but said he had been performing for the past four years. He added that regaining form in international cricket could take time.
It is worth noting that Salman Agha’s century came after a difficult period in his international career.
He captained Pakistan in the first Test against England but was dropped from the team for the second Test. Before the third Test, he was sent back to Pakistan along with seven other players amid major changes to the squad.
After returning from the England tour, Salman Agha represented Kingsmen Academy in President’s Trophy Grade-I cricket. He played five matches and attracted attention by scoring an unbeaten 300 runs in his very first match.
Later, he was removed as captain of Pakistan’s T20 International team and replaced by Sahibzada Farhan. Salman Agha was also excluded from Pakistan’s national squad for the T20 International series against Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won 2–1.
