In a significant development ahead of the Pakistan Shaheens’ much-anticipated tour of England, seasoned off-spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out due to a fitness-related issue, delivering a major blow to the squad's spin options. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the update early Monday, citing injury as the key reason for his omission.
🧠 Who Is Sajid Khan?
Sajid Khan, a 31-year-old off-spinner from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rose to prominence with his remarkable domestic performances and memorable outings in the national Test squad. Known for his sharp turn, bounce, and control, Sajid was expected to play a central role in the Shaheens’ spin-heavy attack in English conditions that increasingly support slow bowling during the later stages of matches.
Key Stats:
- Tests Played: 7
- Wickets Taken: 22
- Best Figures: 8/42 (vs Bangladesh)
His consistency in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and performances on overseas A-tours made him a first-choice spinner for the England tour.
🤕 What Caused the Injury?
While the PCB has not provided extensive medical details, sources close to the team suggest Sajid Khan suffered a recurrent lower back strain, potentially due to extended workload in domestic matches and training camps. A final fitness test conducted at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore confirmed that Sajid would be unable to recover in time.
🌍 Why Sajid Khan’s Absence Is a Big Loss
1. Lack of Experience in Spin Department
With Sajid out, the team now has a gap in experience, especially when playing in conditions where a specialist off-spinner would be critical. Young spinners like Mubasir Khan or Abrar Ahmed may fill in, but they don’t bring Sajid's level of control and calm under pressure.
2. Impact on Team Strategy
Pakistan’s A-team management had intended to rely on spin to exploit England’s middle-order vulnerability, especially in county-like wickets that tend to slow down post-lunch. Without Sajid, the team may need to rework its bowling balance.
3. Mentorship for Young Bowlers
Sajid was expected to act as a mentor to rising spinners like Mehran Mumtaz and Aamir Jamal. His absence could leave younger players without a guiding presence in key match moments.
📋 Likely Replacements for Sajid Khan
The PCB selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, is now considering backup options. Here are the most likely candidates:
1. Abrar Ahmed
- Mystery spinner with Test experience
- Can extract bounce even on flat wickets
2. Mubasir Khan
- Off-spinning allrounder
- Has recently impressed in domestic tournaments
3. Qasim Akram
- Versatile young off-spinner
- Strong batting ability adds balance
4. Mehran Mumtaz
- Left-arm orthodox spinner
- Provides variation, but lacks exposure
🗣️ Expert Analysis: What Cricket Analysts Are Saying
Ramiz Raja:
“Sajid Khan is not just a spinner; he’s a thinking cricketer. His ability to adapt to conditions and deliver long spells without leaking runs will be sorely missed.”
Bazid Khan:
“It’s unfortunate timing. Pakistan’s plans revolved around spin, and Sajid’s exit creates a vacuum that might be hard to fill at short notice.”
🏏 Pakistan Shaheens Full Squad (Updated)
Here’s the latest expected squad after Sajid Khan’s withdrawal:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Imran Butt | Captain / Opener |
| Saim Ayub | Top-order Batter |
| Omair Bin Yousuf | Middle-order |
| Qasim Akram | Allrounder (Off-spin) |
| Mubasir Khan | Allrounder |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed | Wicketkeeper |
| Mehran Mumtaz | Spinner |
| Aamir Jamal | Pace Allrounder |
| Mohammad Ali | Fast Bowler |
| Shahnawaz Dahani | Fast Bowler |
| Abrar Ahmed (likely) | Spinner |
🌦️ Conditions in England – Why Spinners Matter
Although England is known for pace-friendly conditions, county wickets in July–August often break down late in the game. Spinners have a big role, especially in Day 3 and Day 4 situations, making Sajid Khan’s experience a huge asset that now goes missing.
Old Trafford, Edgbaston, and Headingley are the venues lined up, and each offers turn on the final two days, especially under dry conditions.
🔄 How This Affects Pakistan’s Strategy
Without Sajid:
- More pressure on part-time spinners
- More reliance on fast bowling unit
- May prompt the team to play extra batter or pace allrounder
- Team might focus on early breakthroughs to avoid spin-heavy middle overs
🇵🇰 Pakistan Shaheens' Tour of England – Full Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Unofficial Test | Aug 10–13 | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| 2nd Unofficial Test | Aug 17–20 | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| 3rd Unofficial Test | Aug 24–27 | Headingley, Leeds |
📸 Media Reactions and Fan Opinions
Fans on social media have expressed disappointment over Sajid’s exclusion, many calling it “the worst timing ever.” Here are some X (formerly Twitter) highlights:
@CricketFreaks: “Sajid Khan ruled out? Nooo! This was his moment to shine in English conditions.”
@GreenCapsVoice: “Big loss for Shaheens. Hope Abrar can fill those shoes.”