Sajid Khan reacts after being excluded from Pakistan squad for England Test series

Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance in the Champions One-Day Cup final

PHOTO: PCB

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has opened up after his exclusion from the national team for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, set to take place in Multan and Rawalpindi this October.

The 31-year-old cricketer had recently showcased his skills while representing the Panthers in the Champions One-Day Cup, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title for his team through his all-round performances.

In the tournament finale, the Panthers triumphed over the Markhors by five wickets at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The Markhors struggled to set a competitive target, managing only 123 runs in 33.4 overs. Despite a spirited 46-run contribution from Fakhar Zaman, the Panthers' bowlers, including Mohammad Hasnain, Arafat Minhas, and Sajid himself, each claimed three wickets to dominate the match.

Led by Shadab Khan, the Panthers successfully chased the target in just 18 overs, securing the title in the inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup.

During the post-match presentation, where he received the Man of the Match award, Sajid reflected on his exclusion from the national squad: “I was preparing for the Bangladesh series, but my name wasn't included. Then I thought I would be included in the squad for the England Tests, but still, I wasn't selected. I am working hard to earn back my place in the Test side.”

Sajid Khan has represented Pakistan in eight Test matches, taking 25 wickets at an average of 38.16 and an economy rate of 3.03, with his best bowling figures being 8 for 42 against Bangladesh. His last appearance in Test cricket was during the series against Australia in late 2023, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash.

Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mehmood.

Pakistan England Test series schedule: