RAWALPINDI: Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha explained his meaningful celebration after scoring a cenutry against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Salman played a pivotal role in team’s 37-run victory, scoring a 107 off 90 balls, ensuring that the home side post a strong total.
Speaking after the match, Salman said he had tried to perform across formats and ODI format was his successful format in international cricket.
“I always try to perform in all formats, but you can say that I have had the most success in international cricket in the ODI format,” he told reporters.
“I would not say that the ODI format suits me more. My batting remains the same whether I am playing ODIs, Tests or T20s. You can say that I have been performing better in this format in international cricket,” he added.
Salman also explained his century celebration, saying his motivation stems from his love for cricket and his desire to represent Pakistan.
“I don’t have enough time to message someone or prove someone wrong. I love my cricket, I love batting and I like playing for Pakistan. That was only celebration and myy little son watches TV like this, so the [celebration] was for him,” he explained.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s tri-series opener against Sri Lanka, Salman said both teams struggled to capitalise in the final 10 overs of their innings.
“I think both teams did not bat well in the last 10 overs. The wicket did not change at any point. If you come under pressure and lose momentum, this is what happens.”
Salman also called for greater respect for domestic cricket, saying conditions at that level are not as easy as they are sometimes portrayed.
“I think we don’t give enough respect to our domestic cricket. The conditions there are not that easy and scoring runs is not an easy job. Otherwise, everyone would go there and score runs,” he continued.
“If a player like me scores runs in domestic cricket, former cricketers say on social media that he has scored runs in domestic cricket, but scoring runs there is not that easy. You have to play well to score runs there,” the right-hander shared.
He said players who perform consistently in domestic cricket deserve greater recognition, pointing to his own performances as well as Saud Shakeel and Saad Baig.
“I don’t think this is a good message either, because the players who come from there after performing have earned it. I was performing there for 10 years before I came into international cricket. Saud Shakeel [also performed in domestic cricket], and you see Saad Baig has performed in domestic cricket and did well today.”
“I think the time has come to give domestic cricket the respect it deserves,” he concluded.