Usman Khan says he is grateful to get the opportunity to play for Pakistan despite getting close to representing the UAE cricket team.
He was banned by the Emirates Cricket Board for five years after he opted to play for Pakistan. An ECB statement said the decision had been reached after Usman was found to have breached his obligations to the Emirates Cricket Board.
The ban on Usman meant he won't be able to feature in the ILT20, the Abu Dhabi T10, or any other ECB-affiliated competitions held in the UAE until 2029.
"I have come into the Pakistan team on the back of performances, so I don’t think about the past," Usman told media on Sunday [as quoted by Cricket Pakistan].
"I am grateful that I am getting an opportunity to play for Pakistan. I have no regrets on my decision.
"There is no pressure on me as I played according to the plans given to me. I stay true to my game and perform according to team’s requirements. I have no issue batting at any number," he added.
Pakistan squad for Ireland and England & Wales:
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan
Schedule of matches:
10 May – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
12 May – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin
14 May – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
22 May – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds
25 May – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
28 May – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff
30 May – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval
