Whatever Indo-Pak relations might be like in terms of diplomacy, the neighbours have had a long standing record for being appreciative of cross-border talent. After Pakistan’s blue-eyed chaiwalla stole hearts in India, we now bring to you our next-door neighbour’s parantha-maker who has made it to the NCA cricket team. Pakistan is easily turning out to be one of our most talented neighbours.
19-year old Hanan Khan who makes paranthas at a Karachi restaurant for a living has been chosen by the National Cricket Academy to play two Twenty20 matches for Pak’s NCA XI against Malaysia. The matches will be played in Lahore’s Gadhafi Stadium from January 14 onwards.
Hanan who is a left-handed batsman expressed his happiness at this opportunity and said that when the call regarding his selection came , he was in the middle of a match and could not figure out if the call was a genuine one or not. He said that he called back to confirm his selection for the T20 and only after the confirmation could he believe that his dreams were coming true.
Previous to this Khan has represented Quetta in domestic Grade 2 matches and had been selected by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators during their talent hunt. Khan, who hails from Balochistan, was very appreciative of the PCB’s move to look for cricketers from his native place since Balochistan does not play much of cricket.
To have made it to the NCA team for someone who makes paranthas for a living is in itself a proof of his mettle and here’s hoping we get to see a lot more of this budding cricketer.
