GALLE: Pakistan all-round cricketer Salman Ali Aagha received his Test Cap from legendary Pakistan cricketer and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf ahead of the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
Salman had remained on the periphery of the national side in the last two years. He had toured with the team, but never made the cut. However, when that moment arrived, Salman, no matter how much he had anticipated it, was at the loss of words.<\/p>\n
This is a special feeling and I cannot put it in words,\u201d he told PCB Digital following the announcement of the Pakistan XI for the first Test.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, you are being picked to play Test cricket \u2013 which is the pinnacle of the game and which is a format every big player in the world wants to play \u2013 from the population of 25 crore. This is a feeling that cannot be described, but if I have to, I would say I am very excited and happy.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only goal I had when I started playing cricket was to play for Pakistan. Now that eight-year-old kid will be playing for Pakistan. Since, I have gotten to know about my debut, I have been recalling the last 10-15 of my life. I am remembering how I first went to my cricket club \u2013 Apollo Cricket Club \u2013 and started playing cricket. I am remembering my coach Malik Sarwar. I am going through my whole journey in my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
Salman has been in Pakistan\u2019s first-class set-up since February 2013. He has played 68 matches and in the last three seasons, he has turned heads with his outstanding performances in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament.<\/p>\n
Salman was slated in Southern Punjab and since the 2019-20 season, he has been a regular feature in the side. He has played 18 matches for them and scored 1,629 runs at a strong average of 56.19. The 28-year-old has smashed five centuries and eight half-centuries. His off-spin snared 25 wickets.<\/p>\n