Pakistani off-spinner Sajid Khan participated in a post-match press conference alongside left-arm spinner Noman Ali after Pakistan’s nine-wicket victory over England on Saturday, October 26. With this win in Rawalpindi, Pakistan secured the three-match home series 2-1.
During the press conference, a journalist noted that Sajid’s intimidating presence made batters fearful while Noman took wickets from the other end, reminiscent of the strategy used by legendary Pakistani bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. The 31-year-old humorously remarked that even his smile can be scary.
In response to the journalist’s observation, Sajid commented via ESPNcricinfo:
“Maine to koi daraya nahi hai yaar. Aap log kehte ho ke dara rahe ho, yaar aisi koi issue nahi hai. Allah ne look aisi di hai ke main waise hi hasta bhi hu to log dar jaate hai (I didn’t scare anyone. You guys are saying I am scaring people, there is no issue like that. God’s given me such a look, even if I laugh or smile, people get scared).”
https://x.com/espncricinfo/status/1850209271826276493?s=46
It’s notable that Sajid Khan was absent from Pakistan’s squad for the first Test against England, which the visitors won by an innings and 47 runs. He was subsequently included in the teams for the second and third Tests, where he rewarded the management’s confidence by taking 19 wickets in four innings. His remarkable bowling earned him the Player of the Series title.
“You must act this way to boost the team’s morale”- Sajid Khan commented on his on-field behaviour
In an interview after receiving the Player of the Series award, Sajid Khan explained that his on-field antics were intended to boost his teammates’ morale. He mentioned that he has a generally humorous personality. Expressing his happiness about Pakistan’s Test series victory, Sajid stated via ESPNcricinfo:
“We have won the series and everyone performed well. There is no pressure, everyone wanted to perform and we have played domestic cricket on similar surfaces as well. Off the field, Kamran Ghulam is my best friend. I am a very funny person in the dressing room.”
In addition to his outstanding bowling, Sajid Khan demonstrated his value with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 48 in his team’s first innings of the Rawalpindi Test.
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