Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha says his distinctive celebration after scoring 107 runs in the ODI tri-series opener was inspired by his young son, not intended as a message to critics.
RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK, October 19, 2026: Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha has revealed that his distinctive celebration after scoring a century against Sri Lanka was dedicated to his young son, clarifying that the gesture was not intended to send a message to critics.
Agha scored 107 runs off 90 balls in Pakistan’s opening match of the ODI tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. His innings helped Pakistan post 305 runs before the hosts defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs.
Speaking after the match, Agha explained that his son often celebrates in a similar way while watching cricket on television, inspiring him to reproduce the gesture after reaching three figures.
“I don’t have time to send messages or try to prove people wrong. I love cricket, I love batting, and I love playing for Pakistan,” Agha said, according to post-match reporting.
A Century to Remember
The right-handed batter struck 10 fours and one six during his 90-ball innings. He reached his century in 82 deliveries, recording the fastest ODI hundred of his career and his fourth century in the format.
His performance proved important for Pakistan after the team lost early wickets while batting first. Agha helped stabilise the innings and build a competitive total that the bowlers successfully defended.
Comeback After a Difficult Period
The century came after a challenging spell for Agha, who had lost Pakistan’s T20 international captaincy and was left out of the national Test squad. He returned to domestic cricket and produced a major response, including an unbeaten triple-century in the President’s Trophy.
Following his international return, Agha also called for greater recognition of domestic cricket, arguing that scoring runs at that level requires skill and should not be underestimated.
Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka gave the hosts an early advantage in the tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.
For Agha, however, the celebration carried a personal meaning: a moment shared in spirit with his young son rather than a statement aimed at his critics.
