LAHORE: Pakistan team Captain Babar Azam has come out in support of left-handed opener Sharjeel Khan, saying Sharjeel is in form and will be a winning addition to the Pakistan side.
In a virtual press conference in Lahore ahead of the team’s training camp for the South Africa and Zimbabwe tour, Babar Azam said that Sharjeel’s fitness is not a major concern.
“Sharjeel is a bit healthy but his fitness is not a major concern. He is working on improving his fitness as well but he can’t become like Shadab Khan all of a sudden,” the skipper added.
Babar further said, “Sharjeel is now part of the team which is why it is important to back him. He is a match-winner which is why we have picked him. He can totally change the game as an opener and is currently in good form.”
Babar’s comments come amid reports that Head Coach Misbahul Haq had expressed reservations over the batsman’s selection due to his poor fitness. The 31-year-old was banned for five years for his part in a gambling fix during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2017.
During the presser, Babar also spoke about reports that he has had disagreements with Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim over certain players’ exclusion. “There is talk of differences over selection [of players],” the skipper admitted.
Terming it as a healthy debate, he said, “There is always a discussion on names and it should continue.” The batsman added that the decisions he takes are for the team and not for individuals.
