Karachi, January 12 (Dawn): Hanan Khan, a paratha maker at a roadside eatery in Karachi, has been called to play for the National Cricket Academy team in two T20 matches against a visiting Malaysian cricket team starting January 14 at Gadhafi Stadium, Lahore.
“I am really happy to get this chance,” Khan told DawnNews
“When the first telephone call came from Lahore, I was playing a match. Later I called back and was informed about my selection,” he said. .
A jubilant Khan said: “I wasn’t sure if it was a genuine call or not, so I called back again and confirmed my selection for the two T20’s.”
The 19-year-old has been representing Quetta in the domestic grade-2 matches. He was also selected by Quetta Gladiators during their talent hunt in Quetta.
“I am really thankful to all the people who supported me, especially the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which has played an important part in promoting emerging players from Baluchistan,” he said.
The player, who hails form Chaman area of Balochistan, said: “I belong to a region where cricket is not played much but still the selectors come and watch the players while playing.”
Talking about his career path, he said that initially he was selected by Gladiators and now he has become part of the NCA team.
He was optimistic that one day he will be a part of Pakistan’s national team.
“Step by step I will reach the national team and will represent Pakistan one day.”
Talking about his inspiration, Hanan said that he was a big fan of Salman Butt’s shots.
“I have been a big fan of the shots that Butt played against India. I also want to become a top class batsman and score runs against India and other top teams.”
(The featured image at the top shows Pakistan national cricketer Hanan Khan making parathas at a Karachi roadside eatery)
