I have no option but to consider England: Junaid Khan

Published August 9, 2016
“I bowled outstanding spells in my last practice game. I returned figures of one for 22 in seven overs,” says Junaid. — AFP/File
“I bowled outstanding spells in my last practice game. I returned figures of one for 22 in seven overs,” says Junaid. — AFP/File

KARACHI: Fast-bowler Junaid Khan resented his exclusion from the One-Day International (ODI) squad against Ireland and England, saying he is left with no other option but to consider playing for England.

“I have no option but to consider playing for England now,” said a dejected Junaid while talking exclusively to DawnNews on Tuesday.

“Half of my family resides in England, but I kept Pakistan as my priority. I had the opportunity to play for England in 2013 after my outstanding performances in County cricket, but I rejected it,” said the left-arm quick.

Read: Junaid Khan denies ‘rumours’ of switching to England cricket team

Junaid, who last played one-day cricket in May 2015 during Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan, was ruled out of the probable line-up for the England tour in June after he was declared unfit by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

But the 26-year-old refuted the verdict and said that he was a part of the military’s boot camp in Kakul, which according to him “spoke volumes of [his] fitness”.

“I bowled outstanding spells in my last practice game. I returned figures of one for 22 in seven overs,” Junaid said. “I was told to prove my fitness and I am 100 per cent fit.”

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