File Image of Wriddhiman Saha | Photo Credit: PTI

Indian wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha announced his return to cricket in style as he smashed a 62-ball 129 for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh in Cuttack. The veteran cricketer, taking to Twitter, then dedicated his innings to IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who has been held captive by the Pakistan Army after Wednesday's air strikes.

Ever since the dastardly Pulwama terrorist attack, the political relations between India and Pakistan have hit a new low. India on Tuesday, in an airstrike that took place in Balakot reportedly killed over 300 JeM militants. The Pakistan Air Force, in a retaliatory attack, violated Indian airspace on Wednesday. The whole incident saw both countries lose one aircraft each while an Indian pilot was also arrested in Pakistan.

Saha, who was busy on the cricket field for Bengal as the entire nation was glued to the developments of the air strikes between India and Pakistan, took to Twitter in the evening to thank his fans while also wish for a safe return for IAF officer Abhinandan who presently is with the Pakistan army.

“Thank You everyone for your wishes for my today’s knock. This innings is very special to me and I dedicate this inning to India’s brave son IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan. I pray that he returns to India, safe. Jai Hind,” the wicket-keeper tweeted.

Thank You everyone for your wishes for my today’s knock. This innings is very special to me and I dedicate this inning to India’s brave son IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan. I pray that he returns to India, safe. Jai Hind. #IAF #WingCommander #Abhinandan — Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 28, 2019

This was only the second instance for Saha to score a T20 century. He had first done so for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League 2014 season final in Bengaluru. The opponents, Kolkata Knight Riders, however, went on to win the match and indeed the title despite Saha's ton.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, Saha opened the batting and struck 16 fours and four sixes en route to Bengal's 234/6 while batting first. Fellow Bengal batsman Vivek Singh scored an 18-ball 49 giving the team some firepower down the order.

Even as tension escalates between both the country, the US has asked Islamabad to follow its UNSC commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds.