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Thursday March 28, 2024

I want to be like legendary batsman Mohammad Yousuf, says Salman Ali Agha

The 27-years-old was named in the 20-man squad after a remarkable season in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where he scored 941 runs

By Faizan Lakhani
January 17, 2021
Middle-order batsman Salman Ali Agha earned his maiden call in Pakistan’s squad or the series against South Africa. Photo: Geo. tv/SCREENSHOTS

KARACHI: Middle-order batsman Salman Ali Agha has recently shared that he wants to emulate legendary batsman Mohammad Yousuf.

"Mohammad Yousuf is my role model and  I  want to emulate him," said the aspiring batsman.

The 27-years-old was named in the 20-man squad after a remarkable performance during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where he scored 941 runs, smashing two centuries and six half-centuries. 

Sharing that even being shortlisted among the initial 20 players was let alone a huge accomplishment for him, Agha said:  “I am in 20 chosen from 200 million people and even being in 20 is a big honour for me. Of course, I’ve set my eyes on making my debut in the upcoming series and if I get a chance, I will try to continue my form.

'Unbelievable moment'

Recalling the moment when he first heard about his maiden call to the Pakistan squad, Agha said that it was "unbelievable" for him.

“I was told by a fellow cricketer that I am included and I thought he was joking, then I saw it on TV. I couldn’t believe that as well. I was so excited and I am still feeling the excitement of being included in the Pakistan squad for the series,” he remembered.

The Lahore Qalandars player stated that he wants to pursue a career as a batting all-rounder and will contribute with the ball whenever needed for the team.

“I'll keep working on my bowling along with my batting and I believe that I can be effective with the ball too. I would love to play as a batting all-rounder for the team and contribute to the team’s ambitions to win” he concluded.

'Rewards important for performances'

“It is important for a player to be rewarded for his performances in the domestic tournament. The way selectors have included performers in the team will surely encourage players who are performing well in the domestic tournaments,” he appreciated.

The player added that he would like to have the opportunity to learn something from the batting master Yousuf.

“I like his cover drives and want to play like him,” said the middle-order batsman.