Pakistan left-arm batter Sharjeel Khan has clarified his stance on playing in the USA, stating that he only features in American leagues on a short-term basis and has no plans to settle or represent any team permanently outside Pakistan.
Speaking after yesterday’s match against Multan Sultans, Sharjeel addressed speculation about his involvement in foreign leagues and ruled out any long-term plans outside Pakistan.
He said, “Look, being a professional player, the first thing is that whenever you get an opportunity, you should definitely avail it. If you don’t get different experiences, you cannot learn. So, whenever an opportunity came up, I made sure to avail it.”
The left-hander explained how he used his time away from PSL to improve his fitness and prepare for a comeback.
“As for this comeback, during the two-year gap in the PSL, I worked a lot on my fitness. My aim has always been that whenever I get a chance, I perform well. To give you clarity, I only play in the USA when I am available,” he said.
Sharjeel firmly denied any plans to settle in the United States or shift there.
“Whenever I play a tournament there, I return home afterwards. I have no plans to settle in the USA or to permanently play for any team there. My priority has always been to play for Pakistan, and now that things have started again, I will continue to give my best,” he added.
The 38-year-old has represented Pakistan in all three formats, including 21 T20 Internationals where he scored 406 runs at a strike rate of 133.11 with two half-centuries. He last appeared in a T20I against West Indies in August 2021.
Sharjeel marked his return to the PSL with an aggressive half-century, scoring 51 off 26 balls with three fours and four sixes. However, his effort could not secure a win for Hyderabad Kingsmen in a high-scoring clash at Gaddafi Stadium.
Kingsmen posted 225 for five after opting to bat first, powered by Maaz Sadaqat’s 62 off 26 deliveries and Sharjeel’s quickfire knock. Mohammad Wasim Jr led the bowling for Multan Sultans with two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Peter Siddle and Ashton Turner picked up one each.
Multan Sultans chased down the 226-run target with ease, reaching the total with four wickets down and eight balls remaining. Sahibzada Farhan led the run chase with an unbeaten 106 off 57 balls, hitting eight sixes and seven fours.
He found support from Steve Smith, who scored 46, and Shan Masood, who added 29, before finishing the game alongside Arafat Minhas, who remained not out on 26 from 11 balls.
Saim Ayub took two wickets for Kingsmen but conceded heavily, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan claimed one wicket each.
