Junaid surprised at shock call-up
Rookie adamant to make it to the playing-eleven.
PESHAWAR:
Junaid Khan, a late entry into Pakistan’s World Cup squad, expressed his surprise following his late inclusion after left-arm fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir was declared unfit by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The 21-year-old, a resident of Mathra Village of the Swabi district – an area unknown even to the district people – was busy practicing when he was informed of the board’s decision as he rushed towards his coach.
“Coach, I’m selected” were Junaid’s first words after getting the good news.
“I cannot express my feelings but the way I am playing and they way I have performed in first-class cricket, I knew that this day would come,” Junaid told The Express Tribune.
“I knew I’ll be wearing Pakistan’s shirt but it still is a long way to go before I make it to the playing eleven.
“People say that you to be financially strong and must have a strong background to be selected for the national team but the selection committee has proved it wrong after they selected me.”
Zahir Khan, Junaid’s father, said that his son would not let the decision-makers down after their faith in the rookie, adding that Junaid had been playing cricket since he was seven.
“I am a common man and belong to a lower-class family,” said Zahid.
“It was very tough to fulfill Junaid’s needs but we did. My son has done some thing extra-ordinary and I am proud of him.”
According to Zahid, his son was advised not to play cricket and spend time studying but his persistence has finally paid off.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2011.
Junaid Khan, a late entry into Pakistan’s World Cup squad, expressed his surprise following his late inclusion after left-arm fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir was declared unfit by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The 21-year-old, a resident of Mathra Village of the Swabi district – an area unknown even to the district people – was busy practicing when he was informed of the board’s decision as he rushed towards his coach.
“Coach, I’m selected” were Junaid’s first words after getting the good news.
“I cannot express my feelings but the way I am playing and they way I have performed in first-class cricket, I knew that this day would come,” Junaid told The Express Tribune.
“I knew I’ll be wearing Pakistan’s shirt but it still is a long way to go before I make it to the playing eleven.
“People say that you to be financially strong and must have a strong background to be selected for the national team but the selection committee has proved it wrong after they selected me.”
Zahir Khan, Junaid’s father, said that his son would not let the decision-makers down after their faith in the rookie, adding that Junaid had been playing cricket since he was seven.
“I am a common man and belong to a lower-class family,” said Zahid.
“It was very tough to fulfill Junaid’s needs but we did. My son has done some thing extra-ordinary and I am proud of him.”
According to Zahid, his son was advised not to play cricket and spend time studying but his persistence has finally paid off.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2011.