After being ignored repeatedly by the selectors, Pakistan’s pace bowler Junaid Khan is considering a move to England in order to further his international career. He has even questioned his exclusion for the forthcoming limited-overs series in England and Ireland.
Speaking to Dawn News, the 26-year old claimed that he got an opportunity to turn out for England in 2013 following his performances in the County circuit, but chose to pledge allegiance to Pakistan.
Junaid lamented, “I have no option but to consider playing for England now. 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.”
Making his international debut in the Caribbean during a T20I against West Indies, Junaid has represented Pakistan in 22 Tests, 52 ODIs and 9 T20Is with 71, 78 and 8 wickets respectively.
The left-armer’s finest hour till now came in the 2012 ODI series in India when he picked up eight wickets from three matches and dented the hosts’ top-order with vigor. His previous international appearance came during the 2015 Test series against Sri Lanka.
Also Read: Junaid Khan contemplates playing for England instead of Pakistan
Though chief selector Inzamam ul Haq aired concerns regarding his fitness, the seamer dispelled those theories by asserting, “I bowled outstanding spells in my last practice game. I returned figures of one for 22 in seven overs. I was told to prove my fitness and I am 100 per cent fit.”
Taking to Twitter to vent his frustration, Junaid argued, “I cannot understand on which bases I am out of the team. Is it performance or is it fitness. I'm attending 3rd fitness camp and I am 100% fit my performance and the list of countries whom I have played is in front of you all. I have not been allowed to play league and county cricket.”
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