Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has affirmed the inclusion of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Usman Khan in consideration for selection in the Pakistan national squad for the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand.
Usman Khan found himself among the 29 players the PCB chose for a rigorous military-led fitness camp in Kakul. His recent success in the 2024 PSL prompted the PCB’s interest in his talents.
UAE bans Usman Khan
However, earlier Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) imposed a ban on him due to contract breaches and misrepresentation regarding his decision to represent the Gulf nation.
Notably, Khan had been in the process of transitioning his allegiance to the UAE for international cricket and had participated in leagues in the country, including the ILT20, where he featured as a local player. He had also received a retainer contract offer from the ECB, with full eligibility expected by June of the following year.
“Usman was found to have misrepresented to ECB about his decision to play for the UAE team and has used the opportunities and development provided by the ECB to him to seek out other prospects and it was evident that he was no longer wanting to play for ECB nor complete the eligibility criteria which he was under an obligation to do,” ECB said in a statement.
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PAK vs NZ squad to be announced on April 9
Additionally, Naqvi confirmed that the announcement of the national squad for the upcoming five-match T20I home series against New Zealand is scheduled for April 9. According to recent reports, former New Zealand batsman Luke Ronchi and former Australia head coach Justin Langer are being considered by the PCB for the coaching position.
The series, slated to kick off on April 18, will witness the Black Caps competing against the Pakistani side in five T20I encounters. Of these matches, three are slated to take place in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two will be hosted in Lahore. The series is set to conclude on April 27.
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