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Sharjeel Khan

Sharjeel Khan
Sharjeel Khan Image: Wikimedia Commons. 92 News / CC BY 3.0

Overview

Sharjeel Khan (born 14 August 1989) is a Pakistani cricketer known as an attacking left-handed opening batsman. He represents Sindh in Pakistan's domestic competitions and Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and has played international cricket for Pakistan in the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats.

Key Facts

Full name Sharjeel Khan
Date of birth 14 August 1989
Nationality Pakistani
Role Opening batsman
Domestic team Sindh
Franchise team Hyderabad Kingsmen (Pakistan Super League)
First-class debut 10 October 2009, for Hyderabad in the 2009–10 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
T20I debut 8 December 2013, against Afghanistan
ODI debut 18 December 2013, against Sri Lanka

Background

Sharjeel Khan began his senior cricket career in Pakistan's domestic circuit, making his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on 10 October 2009. His attacking style at the top of the order quickly drew attention within the domestic game.

Career

Early international recognition

Sharjeel was a member of the Pakistan cricket team that won the bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

International debut

He made his T20I debut for Pakistan on 8 December 2013 against Afghanistan, and followed it with an ODI debut on 18 December 2013 against Sri Lanka. In his first ODI innings he scored 61 runs from 61 balls.

2016 ICC World Twenty20

Sharjeel was selected in the Pakistan squad for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, in which he finished as the highest run-scorer for his team in the tournament.

Spot-fixing scandal and ban

In February 2017, Sharjeel was suspended for his role in the 2017 Pakistan Super League spot-fixing scandal. He was subsequently banned for two and a half years in 2017. The ban was lifted in August 2019, after which he again became available to play competitive cricket.

Timeline

  • 14 August 1989 – Born.
  • 10 October 2009 – First-class debut for Hyderabad.
  • 2010 – Part of the bronze-medal-winning Pakistan team at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.
  • 8 December 2013 – T20I debut against Afghanistan.
  • 18 December 2013 – ODI debut against Sri Lanka; scored 61 off 61 balls.
  • 2016 – Pakistan's leading run-scorer at the ICC World Twenty20.
  • February 2017 – Suspended in connection with the PSL spot-fixing scandal.
  • 2017 – Banned for two and a half years.
  • August 2019 – Ban lifted; returned to eligibility.

Playing style and significance

Sharjeel is regarded as an aggressive opening batsman whose game is built around early scoring against the new ball. His performances at the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, where he led Pakistan in run-scoring, marked one of the high points of his international career before the 2017 spot-fixing case interrupted it.

References