Sharjeel Khan Delighted With Pakistan Welcome After Return From Ban

Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan said Tuesday he was delighted with the welcome he had been given since being recalled to the national squad after completing a lengthy ban for spot-fixing. The 31-year-ol

"It was a good welcome and the atmosphere was very good," Sharjeel said after being asked if fellow squad members had given him a hard time on his return.

"I have played with all these players in the past and in recent domestic matches, so there was no difficulty in adjusting."

Before his ban, the left-handed batsman had played one Test, 25 one-day internationals, and 15 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan.

"Now I am back in the squad my focus is only on cricket. "All the talk of the past is now past," he said.

Sharjeel, who struck a century in this year's PSL before the competition was suspended last month because of a coronavirus outbreak, also pushed back against questions about his fitness.

"I have played 55-60 days of domestic cricket and I will achieve the goals given to me by the Pakistan team trainer. I want to play my natural game on the tour," said Sharjeel.

Sharjeel -- selected only for the four Twenty20 matches in South Africa and three in Zimbabwe -- has until April 10 to further improve his fitness.

Pakistan's tour begins on April 2 with the first of three one-day internationals against South Africa.

"I am selected for Twenty20 internationals only, so I will do fitness work on the tour and get ready."

The squad flies to South Africa on Saturday.