Usman Khan, Irfan Khan open up after earning maiden national call-up

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan have been named in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming five-T20I series against New Zealand in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to 27. Both players earned their spots through standout performances in the Pakistan Super League season nine.

Irfan Khan, representing Karachi Kings, was named the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the HBL PSL 9 for his impressive stats, including 171 runs at a strike-rate of 140.16. Usman Khan, playing for Multan Sultans, showcased his prowess with two centuries and two half-centuries in the recent tournament.

Irfan, a 21-year-old from Mianwali, has featured in 34 T20 matches, accumulating 499 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96, while Usman, a 28-year-old Karachi native, has scored 1,207 runs at a strike-rate of 146.12 in 36 T20s.

Expressing their gratitude, Irfan emphasized his dedication to the game and the opportunity to establish himself in the national team .

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game. Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team,” Irfan said.

“I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors,” he added.

Usman expressed his excitement and commitment to maintaining his high standards at international level. 

“Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand,” Usman said.

“This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself,” he added.

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan