Salman Ali Agha explains unique celebration after Sri Lanka century

Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has revealed the heartwarming reason behind his unusual celebration after scoring a century against Sri Lanka, saying the gesture was dedicated to his young son rather than intended as a message to anyone.

Salman produced a match-winning performance in Pakistan’s opening game of the tri-nation ODI series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, scoring 107 off 90 deliveries to guide the hosts to a 37-run victory.

The innings marked his fourth ODI century and came at an important stage in his international career, following a difficult period that included being dropped from Pakistan’s Test side and losing the T20I captaincy.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Salman explained that his celebration was inspired by the way his son reacts while watching cricket on television.

“My celebration after the century was only for my son,” he said, explaining that the youngster expresses happiness in the same manner. He added that the gesture was not intended to send a message or prove anyone wrong.

Salman also stressed that performing across all three international formats remained important to him. He said he enjoyed playing for Pakistan and felt no need to prove anything to anyone.

“I love cricket, and I enjoy playing for Pakistan,” he said, adding that his batting approach remained largely the same across formats.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 37 runs

Pakistan posted 305 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs, with Salman’s fluent century providing the backbone of the innings.

Sri Lanka fought back during the chase but were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs, handing Pakistan a 37-run win to begin the series on a positive note.

Salman calls for greater respect for domestic cricket

Beyond his own performance, Salman urged cricket authorities, fans and commentators to give greater recognition to domestic cricket, arguing that scoring runs at that level requires considerable skill and hard work.

He said players who perform consistently in domestic competitions deserve respect and can carry that form into international cricket.

Reflecting on his recent struggles, Salman acknowledged that his last three Test matches had not gone well but pointed out that he had performed consistently over the previous four years. He added that regaining international form can take time.

His recent journey has included being left out of Pakistan’s Test team during the England tour, returning home amid major squad changes and subsequently losing the T20I captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan.

Salman then made headlines in domestic cricket by scoring an unbeaten 300 in his first match for Kingsmen Academy in the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition.

His century against Sri Lanka now offers a timely reminder of his batting ability and determination to return to form at the international level.