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Usman Khan has 'no regrets' on choosing Pakistan over UAE

ECB put a five-year ban on him for breaching the contract

By Web Desk

May 05, 2024

Pakistan's middle-order batter Usman Khan. — Screengrab

Pakistan’s right-handed batter Usman Khan has no regrets on choosing to play for Pakistan over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it was always “his dream” to wear the green jersey.

Following his impressive outing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Usman was approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after which he decided to represent Pakistan and was named in the squad that faced New Zealand in a T20I series at home last month.

He couldn’t perform with the bat during the New Zealand T20I series but the PCB backed him and picked him in the squad for Ireland and England tour.

He was handed a five-year ban by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) due to which he will not be able to participate in UAE leagues. However, Usman has no regrets about his decision as playing for Pakistan was always his dream.

"I have come into the Pakistan team on the back of performances, so I don’t think about the past," Usman told media persons on Sunday in Lahore. "I am grateful that I am getting an opportunity to play for Pakistan. I have no regrets on my decision.

"There is no pressure on me as I played according to the plans given to me. I stay true to my game and perform according to team’s requirements. I have no issue batting at any number," Usman said.

In the PSL 9, Usman became the first player to score two centuries in a single edition. He also scored 96 in one match and missed another ton by just four runs. He was one of Multan’s biggest weapons with the bat which ultimately earned him a move to Pakistan national team.

Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20Is

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan