Usman Khan receives five-year ban from UAE after participating in training camp with Pakistan

Pakistan-born, UAE-based cricketer, Usman Khan has received a five-year ban from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) as he was practising with the Pakistan team. After scoring two beautiful centuries in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Khan was called up by to attend the Pakistan camp. Khan was a part of the UAE team before being accused of breaching the obligations to the Board. 

"Usman was found to have misrepresented to ECB about his decision to play for the UAE team and has used the opportunities and development provided by the ECB to him to seek out other prospects, and it was evident that he no longer wanted to play for ECB nor complete the eligibility criteria which he was under an obligation to do," Khan said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

Hence, he wouldn't be able to participate in any tournament in UAE including ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10 until 2029. Also, Khan's work permit in UAE might be cancelled due to the ban. However, the officials haven't given any clear information regarding this. After receiving the ban, now Khan will be aiming to represent his home country after having a successful PSL tournament. 

Usman Khan's successful PSL 2024 season

Usman Khan had a successful PSL outing as he was the second-leading run-scorer for the Multan Sultans. Moreover, he also scored two back-to-back centuries in the tournament and hence, was called to be a part of the Pakistan camp. In the PSL 2024, Khan scored four centuries while scoring a total of 430 runs at an average of 107.30 and a strike rate of 164.12.

Only Babar Azam was ahead of him as he had scored 569 runs in the tournament. Pakistan's T20 series against New Zealand is around the corner and since Usman is banned from playing Cricket in UAE, he might be called up for the five-match series. However, it will be intriguing to see how things will unfold.