Interview with Salman Ahmad...

What are you looking forward to most in this tournament?
I am most looking forward to the experience of playing cricket in New Zealand. It is a beautiful place to be and I am looking forward to bowling on hard green wickets.

Salman Ahmad in the field during the ICC Under-19 tournament in Canada, earlier this year. (Photo by Shiek Mohamed)

Tell us about the first time you put on a USA cap?
The first time I put on the USA cap was an exciting experience. What happened wasn't so exciting as I misplaced my hat as soon as I received it. I lost it in Guelph, and didn't find it until the team moved to Torronto.

Have you met any of your cricket heroes?
I've been fortunate enough to have met most of my cricket heroes. I met Ricky Ponting and the whole Australian team in Melbourne when Australia took on the World XI tournament in 2005. I had a chance to talk to the players while they practiced in the nets and the days they weren't playing. At Greg Chappell Cricket Centre in Melbourne, I was able to talk to Adam Gilchrist for well over an hour during a bat signing appearance. Other cricket heroes I've met are Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, and Shahid Afridi.

Where do you see USA finishing in the ICC Under-19 Tournament?
As high as we want to finish.

Do you have any particular goals you want to achieve in your career?
Nothing specific, just playing to the best of my ability every time I get a chance.

Who have been the biggest influences on you as a player?
My coach, Mumtaz Yusuf, has been the biggest influence on me as a player. 6 years ago I didnt even know what a cricket ball was, and now I am playing on the USA team. I also have to credit my father for giving me every opportunity to learn the game.

Who is your idol growing up?
I never had any idols growing up.

Do you have a curfew?
I'm too busy doing homework to find out if I have one.

Do you have a nickname?
Doc, Doctor.

What other sport do you play?
I used to play Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis, but I stopped all of those to focus on cricket.

What other sport would had prefer to play beside cricket?
If I wasn't playing cricket, I would probably want to play Badminton. I played it for a few weeks in my high school PE class and enjoyed it.


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