Pakistan’s discarded opening batsman Sharjeel Khan has on Sunday (February 16) made it clear that he doesn't want to dwell on the past as he is all set to make a comeback to competitive cricket after serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.
Sharjeel was banned for five years with half of his five-year ban suspended by the anti-corruption tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his role in the spot-fixing scandal while playing for Islamabad United in the second edition of the PSL 2017 to be held from February 20 to March 22.
Ahead of his comeback with the Karachi Kings in the PSL 2020, the left-hander has insisted that he just wants to focus on his career ahead with a "positive mindset" and his main focus is to give his best for his new team in the tournament.
Claiming that he has closed the chapter on whatever happened in the past, Sharjeel has revealed his major PSL 2020 goal, saying he is determined to put up a string of strong performances in the upcoming T20 event in Pakistan in order to return to the national set-up.
Sharjeel said in Karachi, “Whatever happened in the past is now a closed chapter, and I am focused on the future with positive thoughts. My career was interrupted during PSL and is resuming through PSL. I’m focused on doing my best in PSL and want to contribute towards the success of my team.”
On Pakistan comeback, the 30-year-old said: “I’m working on my fitness. I want to give a performance that can help me make a comeback in the national side once again.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir is also looking forward to giving his best in the upcoming PSL 2020 to make a comeback to the national team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2020 after being dropped from white-ball squads following Test retirement.
He told reporters, “Look they are ups and downs in every cricketer's life and I am no different. But this PSL is a great opportunity to perform for my team and get back into the national side.”
Amir signed off by saying, “I want to be part of the national side and since this is the first time we are playing the PSL entirely at home it is very important for us to perform. I am going step by step and I know it will be a tough competition as everyone is trying hard to perform. I think this PSL will be a very hard and tough competition for all players.”
(With PTI Inputs)
