Sharjeel to play for Essex

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan T20 opener Sharjeel Khan, who is on the roll for A side in triangular series being played in England, has been scooped up by English county Essex for their limited overs campaign.

‘The News’ has learnt that Sharjeel has been approached by senior Essex player Ravi Bopara to play for the county till his commitment starts with national team.

The offer came on the heels of his two brilliant innings — 125 and 90 — in back-to-back matches of the tri-nation series.

Sharjeel hammered seven sixes during his entertaining 125 against England Lions.

In the opening match of the series, Sharjeel smashed 90, striking four sixes.

“Following lackluster four-dayers, Sharjeel came blazing out in the one-dayers forcing more than two English counties to contact him as an oversees players for the one-dayers and T20 Blast campaigns,” a source close to Sharjeel said.

“Sharjeel has accepted Essex offer that was more lucrative. Pakistan A team campaign in England ends on July 25 after which Sharjeel will be available for Essex,” he added.  Essex have got hectic commitments ahead with back-to-back T20 Blast and one-day cup matches in the last week of July.

“Sharjeel is likely to be selected for the national team for the ODI series against England. Till that engagement starts, he will play for the county,” the source said.

A couple of more Pakistan players currently playing for Pakistan A have received offers from counties.  These include Mohammad Nawaz. The all-rounder, however, has not taken a decision yet.