Sajid Khan has called out the persistent lack of T20 opportunities for players from the Peshawar region, arguing that local talent continues to be sidelined in Pakistan’s shortest format.
The off-spinner, who has become a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test side, didn’t mince his words regarding the selection trends. He pointed to a recurring issue where players from his region are often pigeonholed into specific roles or overlooked entirely despite consistent domestic performances.
“We aren’t getting the chances we deserve,” Sajid told local media. “The talent is here, the numbers are on the board, but the doors for T20 cricket remain closed for us.”
His frustration stems from a broader sentiment within the cricketing circles of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Many believe that the selection criteria for the national T20 setup favor players from specific urban centers, effectively creating a glass ceiling for those representing the Peshawar region.
Sajid’s rise in red-ball cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. He has consistently dismantled batting lineups with his aggressive off-spin, proving his worth on the international stage. Yet, his absence from the T20 squad remains a point of contention among fans and analysts who view his ability to control the middle overs as a vital asset for any limited-overs side.
The selectors have historically prioritized spin-bowling all-rounders or defensive options in the T20 format. Sajid, a traditional wicket-taker, often finds himself outside these tactical blueprints. While he continues to dominate the longer format, the transition to the high-paced T20 circuit remains an uphill battle.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced similar criticism in the past regarding regional representation. Critics argue that until the selection process moves away from regional bias and toward pure performance-based metrics, players like Sajid will continue to feel the squeeze.
For Sajid, the message is clear: he isn’t looking for sympathy, just a fair shake at the selection table. Whether the board adjusts its strategy to include more variety from the Peshawar region remains the pressing question for the upcoming selection cycle.
