Former Pakistan cricketer and one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, Shoaib Akhtar has backed Sharjeel Khan ahead of the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, starting from April 10.
The 31-year-old batsman was banned for two and a half years after he was found guilty of spot-fixing in 2017.
With Sharjeel making a return to international cricket, the Rawalpindi Express has advised him to play his natural game on the field and don’t let the pressure get the better of him.
During his candid chat with PTV Sports, Akhtar said, “Show your guts. Be a man and go on the field, it is time for payback. Sharjeel has all the shots in the book. All he needs is confidence. Don’t let the pressure get the better of you. He should allow himself to display his talent.”
Furthermore, the 45-year-old legendary pacer feels that if Sharjeel becomes a reliable opener for the Men in Green, it will take some pressure off skipper Babar Azam.
”If he goes on to become a fitter player and a reliable opener, it will solve half of Pakistan team’s problems. Currently, there is a lot of load on Babar,” Akhtar added.
Sharjeel Khan was last seen in action during the five-match ODI series against Australia in 2017.