Sajid Khan Archives

Six-star Sajid puts SNGPL on top against Sahir Associates

KARACHI: Off-spinner Sajid Khan took a six-wicket haul to put Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in a commanding position against Sahir Associates in the first round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025–26 here at the National Bank Sports (NBP) Sports Complex on Monday.

SNGPL continued from their day one score of 460-2 with Shan Masood adding only four to his overnight score of 212 runs.

The left-hander was removed after scoring 216 with the team eventually declaring after racking 575-5.

In reply, Sahir Associates were bowled out cheaply for 136, leaving a huge deficit that allowed SNGPL to enforce the follow-on.

Asim Ali Nasir remained the only notable contributor with a half-century to his name. At the same time, Sajid Khan tormented Sahir Associates’ batting lineup with six for 22, which was equally supported by Mohammad Salman (2-26) and Shahnawaz Dahani (2-47).

With follow-on enforce, Sahir Associates’ top order again demonstrated a shambolic batting display, with three down for 68 at the end of the day’s play.

Asim again stood tall with an unbeaten 33 while Dahani scalped two wickets for 16.

In another contest at the National Bank Stadium, Wapda resumed their first innings after skittling KRL for 116.

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A resolute knock of 77 by Sharoon Siraj lifted WAPDA to 151 all out in 51.2 overs, giving them a 35-run lead.

Mohammad Hamza starred with the ball for KRL, claiming five wickets for 36 runs, while Arshad Iqbal took three wickets.

KRL’s second innings showed greater application as Waqar Ahmed (52, 41b, 11x4s) and Shahzaib Khan (51, 117b, 7x4s) knitted an 84-run partnership for the second wicket.

At stumps, KRL were 189-7 in 45.2 overs, extending their overall lead, though Naqeebullah’s three wickets kept WAPDA in the contest heading into day three.

Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 67-2, Ghani Glass were bowled out for 246 against OGDCL. Mohsin Riaz (98, 176b, 13x4s, 1×6), Ali Razzaq (62, 156b, 7x4s, 1×6), and Sharjeel Khan (53, 98b, 9x4s) struck half-centuries to secure a 50-run first-innings lead.

OGDCL, in their second inning,s were 75-2 at stumps, with Israrullah unbeaten on 35 and Abdul Rehman Muzammil 28 not out, sharing an unbroken 54-run partnership for the third wicket.

At the State Bank Stadium, SBP resuming their first innings at 106-4 and leading by seven runs, were dismissed for 153 in 64.2 overs, courtesy three wickets each from Amad Butt and Israr Hussain, giving SBP a 54-run lead.

In turn, Mohammad Suleman led the fightback for PTV with an unbeaten 75 off 128 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

While Test cricketer Usman Salahuddin (42, 96b, 4x4s, 1×6) and Arafat Minhas (31 not out, 31b, 4x4s, 1×6) provided solid support as PTV closed the day on 191-5 in 47.2 overs.

READ: Rajshahi Warriors inflict third straight defeat on Noakhali Express

Major blow for Pakistan Shaheens as key player ruled out of England tour

KENT: Pakistan Shaheens have been dealt an early blow on their England tour, as off-spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out after sustaining a thumb injury during training on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old suffered a fracture to his right thumb while training at Tonbridge School Ground, just hours before Pakistan Shaheens’ opening one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham.

Following a medical assessment, Sajid is set to return to Pakistan on the earliest available flight.

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Sajid Khan will undergo further treatment and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

No replacement will be called up for the remainder of the tour, the team management confirmed.

Pakistan Shaheens are scheduled to play three 50-over matches against the Professional County Club Select XI from July 22 to 27.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah.

Player Support Staff: Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Ali Sufyan (physio).

One-Day Series Schedule:

July 22 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Beckenham (11:00am local)
July 25 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Beckenham (11:00am local)
July 27 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Hove (11:00am local)

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Pakistan spinner opposes idea of four-day Test matches

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has voiced strong disapproval of the idea to introduce four-day Tests in the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, calling it counterproductive to the essence of red-ball cricket.

Speaking during the ongoing Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Sajid said the traditional five-day format should remain untouched to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of Test cricket.

“I don’t think four-day Tests are good for the game,” Sajid stated.

“If you reduce Tests to four days, more matches will end in draws, and fans won’t enjoy that. Test cricket should stay five days, that’s what makes it the ultimate challenge.”

His remarks came just weeks after reports emerged that the ICC is likely to approve four-day Tests during the 2027–2029 WTC cycle, primarily to ease scheduling and accommodate smaller cricketing nations.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah has publicly backed the idea, particularly for matches not involving the so-called ‘Big Three,’ India, England, and Australia.

These three countries will continue to play traditional five-day contests in marquee series such as the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly launched Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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The concept isn’t entirely new as the ICC had allowed four-day Tests as early as 2017, and in May this year, England hosted Zimbabwe in a historic four-day Test at Trent Bridge.

However, Sajid Khan believes that the longevity and fan appeal of the format are closely tied to its five-day structure.

“Test cricket is not just about results; it’s about patience, strategy, and the ebb and flow over five days. Taking that away means taking away its soul,” he added.

Sajid also praised the structure of the current camp, which includes senior and junior players training together under the guidance of experienced coaches.

“Working with Azhar Mahmood has been really beneficial, especially with a red-ball series in England coming up. There’s a lot to learn from him,” Sajid said.

“This camp is helping both juniors and seniors. We’re learning from each other and from experienced coaches.”

READ: Sajid Khan seeks county opportunity to evolve as white-ball bowler

Sajid Khan seeks county opportunity to evolve as white-ball bowler

Pakistan Test spinner Sajid Khan has expressed his desire to take his game overseas, revealing that talks are underway with multiple English county clubs as he looks to gain more experience and versatility across formats.

The 31-year-old was speaking to the media during the ongoing Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy, where he’s honing his craft under the guidance of spin bowling coach Abdul Rehman.

“I’m in talks with two to three county clubs. If all goes well, I plan to play five to six matches this season,” Sajid said.

“It’s always been my wish to play county cricket. It’s competitive and helps you evolve as a cricketer.”

While Sajid Khan has been a regular in Pakistan’s red-ball setup, he’s also working hard to adapt to white-ball cricket, aiming to represent Pakistan across all formats.

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“I’ve been told that white-ball cricket suits me. I’m working on my arm ball and using the crease more effectively,” he said.

“It’s my goal to play all white-ball formats, including the PSL. I’m putting in the hard yards and, InshaAllah, you’ll see me in white-ball action soon.”

Despite his white-ball aspirations, Sajid remains a proud red-ball cricketer and emphasised the importance of Test cricket, both personally and for Pakistan’s overall development.

“Test cricket is an honour. I actually started my career with white-ball, but there’s a different pride in wearing the whites. I just hope we get more red-ball matches this year. It’s important for improving our ICC rankings,” he said.

On the World Test Championship (WTC) front, Sajid backed the current squad to challenge for a place in the final.

“With the kind of environment and unity we have in the dressing room, I genuinely believe we can make it to the WTC final,” he remarked.

READ: Pakistan Champions reveal new logo ahead of WCL 2025

Shahid Afridi believes THIS player deserved a place in Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his belief that off-spinner Sajid Khan deserved a place in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a private TV channel, the former Pakistan captain lamented the absence of spinner Sajid Khan who played a leading role in Pakistan’s victories in the recent Test home series.

“His confidence is very high and he is also a very good fielder. He [Sajid Khan] is a strong character who can also hit sixes in batting,” Shahid Afridi said.

Afridi was of the view that Sajid deserved to be in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, considering the fact that Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad.

Meanwhile, he agreed that the team India was entering the Champions Trophy 2025 with the right combination.

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“It is a perfect team, from openers to fast bowlers. I know there is no Bumrah, but they have bowlers such as Shami who can bowl exceptionally with the new ball,” Shahid Afridi said when asked about team India.

The former Pakistan captain was of the view that the abundance of quality spinners in the Indian side would help them defend low totals on pitches in Dubai.

“They have so many spinners who will cover Bumrah’s area. They are coming with a plan knowing they will play all of their games in Dubai,” Shahid Afridi said.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan confirms Babar Azam’s batting position for Champions Trophy

Watch: Warrican hits back at Sajid with ‘You Can’t See Me’ celebration

MULTAN: West Indies man of the series Jomel Warrican took a jibe at Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan with WWE superstar John Cena’s iconic ‘You can’t see me’ celebration during the second Test here on Monday.

Warrican took a jab at the off-spinner in the 44th over of Pakistan’s second innings when Sajid Khan was bowled out cheaply by the left-arm spinner.

While Pakistan’s spinner was walking back, Warrican mocked him with Cena’s famous signature pose followed by Sajid’s own celebration.

Earlier, Sajid Khan had mimicked the same style after nearly dismissing Warrican in West Indies second innings.

The signature ‘You can’t see me’ pose was popularised in the Wrestling world by the former WWE champion John Cena.

It’s worth noting that Warrican-led spin master class steered West Indies to a dominant 120-run victory over Pakistan to level the two-match series 1-1 here on Monday.

A brief glimmer of hope emerged as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership. However, Warrican once again turned the tide, dismissing Salman for 15.

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Rizwan’s resistance ended soon after as he gave away his wicket, scoring 25 runs. He was dismissed by Warrican, who picked up his fourth wicket, leaving Pakistan at 122/8 in 41.3 overs.

Noman Ali showed some resilience, smashing a six off Motie’s delivery, but his innings was cut short after scoring just six runs, leaving the side at 131/9 in 43 overs.

Sajid Ali was the final wicket to fall, dismissed by Warrican, ensuring the West Indies their first Test win over Pakistan on their home soil since 1990.

Warrican registered match-winning figures of 5/27, while Sinclair claimed three wickets and Motie took two.

READ: Jomel Warrican steers West Indies to historic Test win against Pakistan

Ahmed Shehzad questions Sajid Khan’s exclusion from Test squad

Pakistan top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has raised questions over the decision to drop off-spinner Sajid Khan from the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside pace bowler Shaheen Afridi.

The decision did not sit well with Ahmed Shehzad, who criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for dropping Sajid despite his top-notch performance against England.

“You have dropped Sajid Khan from the South Africa series; are you people blind or out of your minds? Do you think you’re the only one going to play in South Africa, where the entire world doesn’t play? And there, you’re taking just Noman Ali,” Shehzad said in a video on his YouTube channel.

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“You should be thanking Sajid because in the slump Pakistan cricket has been stuck in for the last three and a half years — where it had hit rock bottom and people had started laughing at your cricket—he won matches for you.

“And this is how you’ve rewarded him? Just as he was becoming a superstar, you discarded him like a fly from milk.”

Shehzad also lambasted over the decision to rest Shaheen Afridi from the Test series.

“So, you’ve dropped Shaheen and brought in your own group. What did you achieve by dropping Shaheen? Managing workload, right? You’re just fooling the public in the name of workload management,” he stated.

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Pacers keep England on top after Brook’s ton in second New Zealand Test

Aqib Javed explains Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from Test squad

Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan and a member of the selection committee, explained the reasons for excluding pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and off-spinner Sajid Khan from the squad for the Test series against South Africa.

Earlier today, the Pakistan men’s selection committee announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside Shaheen Afridi.

Aqib Javed, while clarifying the reasons, highlighted the ‘horses for courses policy,’ stating that Sajid has left out because pitches in South Africa are not suitable for spinners.

It’s worth noting that Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England, is the sole spinner in the Test squad.

“We have adopted horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” said Aqib.

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“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision.

“However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling.”

On the other hand, Aqib revealed that Shaheen Afridi has been rested as part of the strategy to keep him fresh and fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added.

He further shared that opening batter Fakhar Zaman was also not considered for the white-ball series against South Africa as he is yet to achieve full fitness.

“Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness.”

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

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“Too good for our batting,” Stokes on ruthless spin duo of Noman, Sajid

England Test captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan that powered Pakistan to a drought-ending Test series victory at home.

Pakistan’s decision to make four massive changes after the first Test thrashing paid off as their spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, coming in as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah’s replacement, gave a new life to the struggling hosts.

The spin duo claimed 39 out of 40 England wickets to fall in the remaining two Tests, coupled with handy and timely cameos to further traumatize the touring side.

Their mastery of spin steered Pakistan to their first home Test series victory since 2021.

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The spin duo also received words of acknowledgement from England captain Ben Stokes, who termed them too good to tackle by his aggressive batting lineup, which racked up a humongous total of 823/7d in the first innings of the opening Test against Pakistan.

“You’ve got to hold your hands up to say that those two in particular were obviously too good for our batting line-up in those last two games,” Stokes said.

“Credit to Noman and Sajid, the way in which they bowled in the second Test match and in this game, you know it was very good and challenging,” he added.

Reacting to the series defeat, Ben Stokes shared that it is hurtful and disappointing to lose games for England before highlighting the need for consistency.

“Losing games for England hurts so it’s disappointing,” said Stokes.

“We need to do things for longer. As I said, we did good things in very small amounts of times at certain points throughout the second game and this game.

“But when you don’t sustain that, you know you’re always going to start falling away.”

READ: Babar, Shaheen react to Pakistan’s drought-ending Test series win

PCB chief Naqvi hails Sajid, Noman on Pakistan’s historic Test victory

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali for leading Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory over England on Saturday.

The spin duo claimed 39 out of 40 England wickets to fall in the remaining two Tests, coupled with handy and timely cameos to further traumatize the touring side.

Their mastery of spin steered Pakistan to their first home Test series victory since 2021.

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For their unmatched grit and character, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi heaped praise on Sajid Khan and Noman Ali alongside first innings centurion Saud Shakeel.

“The national players won by playing the best game. Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali proved their skills by bowling brilliantly. Saud Shakeel scored a century and showed excellent batting. The team put up a brilliant performance and won the Test series,” said Naqvi.

“This win will boost the morale of the players. The players along with the nation were waiting for such a glorious victory. The new players justified their inclusion in the team with performances,” he added.

England had a flying start to the three-match series as they blew Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in the opening fixture before the home side scripted an astounding comeback with a 152-run victory in the second Test, followed by a series-clinching nine-wicket victory in the decider.

READ: Shan Masood reacts after “special” Test series victory over England