Pakistan opening batsman Sharjeel Khan has joined Leicestershire County Cricket Club as the Foxes’ second overseas player for NatWest T20 Blast in 2017.
According to the club’s website, the left-hander will be joining the ranks of compatriots Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Akmal in representing the county side. “It has been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I would like to thank Leicestershire for this great opportunity,” said Sharjeel following the official announcement.
“A number of fine Pakistanis have played for the club over the years including Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Akmal, and I’m pleased to be following in their footsteps.
The opener has had an impressive T20I career record, having scored 266 runs at an average of 24.18 in eleven matches with a strike rate of 140. He is also part of the Pakistan squad who are facing England at Old Trafford later today.
Sharjeel recently recorded a stunning 62-ball 152 in an ODI against Ireland, and made decent contributions in the subsequent series against England.
Leicestershire Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I am aware that there was keen interest from other counties, so I am delighted that we have managed to secure someone of Sharjeel’s ability for the duration of the 2017 NatWest T20 Blast campaign.”
He added: “He is a powerful hitter who will offer us another option as a T20 opener. We have been watching Sharjeel closely this summer, where he has caught the eye of many with his dynamic ball striking.”—APP
