Off-spinner Sajid Khan was ruled out of the series after breaking his right thumb during a training session at Tonbridge School Ground, dealing a blow to the Pakistan Shaheens’ preparations for their pivotal England tour.
Sajid Khan has been forced to miss the entire tour due to the injury he got during a fielding workout the night before their first one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. The team’s medical staff conducted an initial evaluation, and it was decided to fly the 31-year-old back to Lahore as soon as possible. There, he will start his recovery at the National Cricket Academy.
Sajid Khan, who had stated his desire to play all-format cricket for the Green Shirts, was hoping to utilize the England tour to push his way into the limited-overs squad. The injury is a terrible turn of events for him. Throughout the three-match series, Sajid Khan’s expertise as a successful international player was expected to be crucial to the Shaheens’ spin attack.
However, the management of the Pakistan Shaheens has decided to use the available resources rather than appointing a replacement. All-rounders and up-and-coming players are among the touring team’s spin alternatives, but Sajid’s absence will surely be felt, especially in the middle overs.
The fragility of these development tours, which are intended to provide fringe and up-and-coming players with a platform to strive for higher honors, is highlighted by Sajid’s abrupt departure. In addition to interfering with Shaheen’s bowling plans, the injury has cost Sajid important match exposure in foreign settings.
When the Pakistan Shaheens start their three-match one-day series at the Kent County Cricket Ground later today, many will be watching to see how Saud Shakeel’s team handles the loss of one of its most experienced bowlers. July 25 and July 27 are the dates of the other two games.
