DUBAI: The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) imposed a ban on right-handed batter Usman Khan on Friday, effectively barring him from participating in any tournaments hosted or sanctioned by the ECB for five years.
Usman, known for his outstanding performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, had expressed his desire to represent Pakistan after showcasing his talent as a foreign player. Despite his remarkable achievements in PSL 9, including scoring two centuries in a single edition, Usman’s aspirations faced a setback.
The ECB’s decision to suspend Usman stemmed from his alleged breach of obligations to the board. According to the ECB’s press release, Usman misrepresented his intentions to play for the UAE team. This misrepresentation occurred despite his participation in the International League T20 Season 2 and signing an employment contract aimed at facilitating his eligibility to represent the UAE internationally.
Currently undergoing training at Kakul under the supervision of the Pakistan Army, Usman’s future in international cricket remains uncertain. While preparing for potential selection in the upcoming series against New Zealand, where he could bolster the middle-order for the Babar Azam-led squad, Usman’s ban leaves his cricketing career hanging in the balance.
