Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that cricketer Usman Khan is under consideration for the national team despite facing a ban from playing for the UAE.
During a media briefing in Lahore, Naqvi confidently stated, “[Usman] Khan is eligible to play for Pakistan, and he will indeed be a part of the national squad.”
This announcement follows the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) imposing a five-year ban on Khan due to breaches of contract and providing misleading information regarding his commitment to the UAE team.
Usman Khan’s potential inclusion in the Pakistan national team is largely attributed to his outstanding performance in the recently concluded ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9).
Representing the Multan Sultans franchise, Khan delivered impressive performances and received multiple accolades, making a strong case for his selection in the national squad.
Addressing the 2025 Champions Trophy, Naqvi assured that the mega-event is scheduled to be held in Pakistan as planned. , He also mentioned that it is premature to discuss the participation of the Indian cricket team in the tournament at this stage.
Switching gears to the topic of team management, Naqvi revealed that the announcement of foreign head coaches for the Pakistan team will be made post-April 15.
He highlighted the team’s packed schedule ahead, with upcoming series against Ireland, England, the T20I World Cup, Bangladesh, England again, Australia, and South Africa.
Naqvi further elaborated on the upcoming cricket events, stating, “Before the Champions Trophy, there will be a tri-nation series hosted in Pakistan. Teams will come to Pakistan not just for the Champions Trophy but also for this tri-nation series.”
In addition to this, Naqvi confirmed that the national squad for the forthcoming five-match T20I home series against New Zealand will be announced on April 9.
This series is slated to commence on April 18, with three matches scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi and the remaining two in Lahore. The series is set to conclude on April 27.
The developments around Usman Khan’s potential selection, coupled with Pakistan’s busy cricketing calendar, indicate an exciting period ahead for cricket enthusiasts and fans of the sport in the country.
