Srinagar: In a move that is going to raise many eyebrows, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, interim skipper Shadab Khan ans many other star cricketer are going to participate in the Ramadan tournament in Lahore that is organised by Salman Butt.
Ihsanullah, Usama Mir, Umar Akmal, Usman Qadir, Abid Ali and Azam Khan will also ply their trade in the Ramadan tournament. Eight teams will take part in the tournament with each side having two Pakistan international cricketers.
“Such a tournament is taking place in Lahore for the first time. This event will unearth new talent as well. This event will unearth new talent as well,” Butt was quoted as saying in a press conference in Lahore on Friday, March 24.
Players of the Matches will get awarded 30,000 PKR by the organisers. The schedule of the Ramadan Cup is yet to be announced.
Ihsanullah and Azam Khan are currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where they are taking part in the three-match T20I series against Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Ihsanullah was called up to the team after he became the second-highest wicket-taker in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023. The Multan Sultans’ pacer became the Player of the Tournament after he picked up 22 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Quetta Gladiators.
Ihsanullah made his T20I debut on Friday and picked up two wickets in the very first over he bowled. The 20-year-old pacer also got a contract with the Oval Invincibles in the upcoming edition of the Men’s Hundred.
Shadab, on the other hand, is leading Pakistan in the series against the Afghans. Babar was rested from the series along with Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.