[EXCLUSIVE] "I wasn't given a chance even in First-Class cricket": Umer Khan

[The Bald Eagle]

In our latest exclusive interview, Umer Khan, the former PSL emerging star and left-arm spinner who dazzled with 19 wickets for Karachi Kings, opens up about his abrupt exit from Pakistan cricket and new journey in the USA.

Umar Khan had an economy rate of 7.55 in PSL 2019, and he dismissed several notable players, including AB de Villiers, Corey Anderson, Shoaib Malik, Shane Watson, James Vince, Dan Christian, and Luke Ronchi.

From being sidelined despite stellar performances to rebuilding his career abroad, Umer shares raw, unfiltered truths about favoritism, broken systems, and his ambitions for the future.

Key topics include:

They sidelined me despite performing in PSL: Umer’s shocking revelation about being dropped after topping domestic charts.

Favoritism in Pakistan cricket: Why talented players struggle to break through.

The mental toll of being ignored: How sidelining performers damages careers.

USA cricket’s rise: Leagues, facilities, and why Pakistani players are migrating.

Coaches showed me their attitude: Umer’s bitter experience with management.

Future plans: Representing the USA and reigniting his cricketing dreams.

Check out the latest interview with Saj below:

 

[BouncerGuy]

Another promising youngster who was the victim of nepotism and favoritism in Pakistan. How many more players will have to go through this disaster before PCB wakes up???

 

[zarak]

Its funny how just about every domestic cricketer that does not make it to internationals is a victim of nepotism. Nothing to do with the fact that he averages 51, 35, and 30 with the bowl in FC cricket. But yes, he got AB out that one time in Dubai.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

What a waste of talent !. I remember when I first saw him in PSL, I was sure that he would feature for national side one day but big pity.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

What a waste of talent !. I remember when I first saw him in PSL, I was sure that he would feature for national side one day but big pity.

To be honest hes got horrible numbers for a specialist spinner and I think he doesn’t deserve a spot in FC cricket as there are far more deserving players out there.

 

[Saj]

I'm surprised that after that excellent PSL in 2019 he wasn't given more opportunities in white ball cricket.

But in Pakistan cricket, as he says, if you don't have influential people behind you, then most of the time you will go nowhere.

 

[Shaka81]

I'm not judging but if all these "superstars" are leaving Pakistan cricket to a huge loss to the national team, then the current US national team must be a team of mega stars since none of these guys have managed to break into the team...
I'm sure someone will tell me otherwise but it feels like the reason all these guys are emigrating to the US is less to do with cricketing opportunities or abilities and more due to the fact they are actually not very good at cricket so need alternative careers.