Hailing from the port city of Karachi, Salahuddin made his Test debut after only six first-class matches at the age of 18. He was a stylish right-hand batsman with a flamboyant on drive. He also contributed to the bowling attack with his slow offbreaks. He had a short career, not living up to expectations in international scene, but continued to score heavily in domestic cricket and forged a successful club career in Scotland, which became eventually a home away from home. He made one tour - to England in 1967 - but didn't play in any of the Tests.
He achieved more fame after he retired as a player, as a selector. From 1980 onwards, he was a member of nine different selection committees and was twice chief selector as well. Most recently, he took over from Wasim Bari after the 2007 World Cup, at a tricky time for Pakistan cricket. He stepped down in August 2008, however, after an administration change. He also overlooked selection for Karachi during their most successful period in the mid-80s. A boisterous, amiable man, Sallu - as he is affectionately known to nearly everyone - remains a popular figure on the cricket scene, always at the ready with a witty quip, an astute cricket observation and some poetry.
