Pakistan’s cricket team found a new hero in Sajid Khan after his match-winning performance against England, where he claimed 9 wickets, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory in Multan. But Sajid’s road to success was anything but easy. His story is one of grit, determination, and unyielding passion for cricket despite several hardships.
Early Life Struggles and Selling Mobile Phones
Sajid Khan hails from Mardan, a small city in Pakistan. Life took a tough turn for him at the young age of 8 when his father passed away. The responsibility of supporting his family fell on Sajid and his elder brother. His brother began driving a rickshaw while Sajid took to selling mobile phones and cricket bats to contribute to the family’s finances.
In an interview shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Sajid recalled how he managed to juggle his daily life and his love for cricket. He would not only sell mobile phones but also repair and fit grips on cricket bats to earn money. This meager income helped him support his family while also allowing him to pursue his passion for cricket.
Working at Dubai Airport and Leaving Cricket
The road to cricket stardom was not smooth for Sajid. After representing Pakistan in Under-18 cricket, opportunities to play dried up. Financial difficulties became overwhelming, and Sajid decided to move to Dubai to work at the airport. For six months, he worked five days a week at the airport while spending his weekends playing cricket.
However, Sajid’s love for the game never diminished. His mother encouraged him to return to Pakistan, reminding him that his passion for cricket could eventually turn into success. He returned to his homeland, determined to give his cricketing career another shot.
Breaking Into Domestic Cricket and Pakistan Team Debut
Sajid’s persistence eventually paid off. Upon returning to Pakistan, he continued playing domestic cricket, striving to make his mark. His hard work bore fruit when he made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2021 against Zimbabwe at the age of 28.
Though he didn’t get many opportunities to shine immediately, Sajid stayed patient. In the few matches he has played for Pakistan, he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second Test against England in Multan, where his 9-wicket haul brought Pakistan a crucial victory.
Stellar Performance in Domestic Cricket
While Sajid has only played 9 Test matches for Pakistan, his domestic record speaks volumes about his potential. He has taken an impressive 246 wickets in 68 first-class matches at an average of 28. Along with his bowling, Sajid has contributed with the bat, scoring 1647 runs in domestic cricket.
His all-around performance in Pakistan’s domestic circuit has kept him in contention for further opportunities on the international stage, where fans now eagerly await his next big performance.
