Afghan refugee son registered in Pakistan domestic circuit

It is not every day that we see drastic exemptions being made on the grassroots level. However, the son of an Afghan refugee - Ayub Khan - has been given a 'special discount' by the selectors to be registered in Pakistan's domestic circuit.

Despite not having the documents required for the selection during the trials, Ayub Khan was given an opportunity to represent Central Punjab Blues.

According to sources, Ayub's NADRA B-form will become available next year. However, the selector Javed Hayat Khan did not deem it crucial enough to lose on a talented cricketer based solely on this reason.

The youngster picked up 14 wickets in only six matches whereas he returned his best bowling figures of 6 for 23 while representing Central Punjab Blues.

Central Punjab Blues also played in the final of the National Under-19 Cup against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, concerns have been raised regarding his selection for key matches. Critics claim that if he is not going to be able to represent his respective team in tournaments then why did his selection come at the expense of another young cricketer.

Ayub Khan is the son of Adam Khan, who is registered in Pakistan as an Afghan refugee. Speaking to Express, a PCB spokesperson said that the 19-year-old has all civil rights which include participation in education, health, and sports.

"There is no impediment for him [Ayub] to participate in domestic competitions as a local cricketer, according to the board's procedure," added the PCB spokesperson.