Why Sharjeel Khan was left out of Pakistan squad?

Interim Chief Selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the ODI squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Opening batter Sharjeel Khan, who was hoping to make a return to the white-ball squad after five years, was not included as there were some points raised against him that Afridi highlighted while announcing the ODI squad.

ALSO READ: Pakistan confirm squad for New Zealand ODIs

Shahid Khan Afridi revealed that they did not receive clearance for his selection from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee's chairman, Najam Sethi.

During a press conference in Karachi, Afridi said, "Sharjeel Khan was included in the probable players list seeing his performance in domestic cricket, but was not retained in the final squad as I did not get the green signal from the PCB chairman on his inclusion in the team."

The 33-year-old, after not being selected in the ODI squad, tweeted on his social media handle, "On my way to Bangladesh to fulfill my 3 match contract with Khulna Titans and will be leaving for Dubai after that to put in some more work with my fitness trainer. Need prayers."

On my way to Bangladesh to fulfill my 3 match contract with @khulnatitans and will be leaving for dubai after that to put in some more work with my fitness trainer need prayers #FitnessMotivation

— Sharjeel khan (@SharjeelLeo14) January 5, 2023

It is to be noted that Khan was suspended for five years from all forms of cricket in 2017 after being implicated in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing scandal. His last 50-over game for Pakistan was against Australia in January 2017.

Reminder for all is that the ODI matches will be played on January 9, 11, and 13 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.