Former Pakistan cricketers Rashid Latif and Shoaib Akhtar believe Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises will be vying for the tainted opening batsman Sharjeel Khan in the upcoming draft for the next edition of the tournament.
While talking in a Youtube video, Akhtar said that Sharjeel can still make a comeback in the national side.
“I am confident that Sharjeel will be picked in the PSL draft and perform to make his way back into the Pakistan team,” said Akhtar. “Pakistan still needs a power hitter like him and his inclusion will also create pressure on other openers, which can change the team’s mindset.”
Former wicketkeeper-batsman Latif also showed his support towards opener’s return to competitive cricket.
“Sharjeel will be one of the hot properties in the upcoming PSL draft and every franchise will be looking to get him,” said Latif. “He is a strong player and if he is allowed to play by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), then there should no argument against his return.”
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According to a recent report published by Press Trust of India, a source in the PCB indicated towards Sharjeel’s inclusion in the PSL draft.
“Sharjeel recently appeared in a written test conducted by PCB’s Anti-Corruption unit and passed it successfully. He has now been told to travel to Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura and Karachi where he will give lectures to members of the junior teams taking part in the domestic youth events. In all probability, Sharjeel should be cleared to also feature in the players draft for the PSL,” the source was quoted to have said.
Sharjeel was recently given clearance by the PCB to resume playing club cricket.
Left-hand opener was suspended and sent back home after the start of the second edition of HBL PSL in Dubai in February, 2017.
The 30-year-old was later banned for five years, with half of his five-year ban suspended, by the anti-corruption tribunal of the PCB.
Sharjeel has represented Pakistan in one Test, 25 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and 15 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).