Sohail Khan

Sohail Khan, a prominent bowler figure in Pakistan national cricket team, has had a remarkable journey filled with both triumphs and challenges.

His dedication to the sport has earned him recognition and success, both in PSL and beyond International cricket across format, but he has also faced controversies along the way.

This article provides an overview of his career, stats, highlighting his key achievements, personal life, and the controversies that have surrounded him.

Sohail Khan: A Journey of Pakistan’s Bowler Legend

Sohail Khan’s cricket journey is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. From the rugged terrains of NWFP to the international cricket stadiums, his story inspires many aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and beyond. Here are some of key point about his career:

Early Life and Personal Information

Sohail Khan, born on March 6, 1984, in Malakand, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan, is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler.

His cricketing journey is a story of raw talent and dedicated effort. Raised in the rugged landscapes of the North-West Frontier Province, Sohail honed his strength and pace through activities like stone-throwing and swimming in local rivers.

His cricketing prospects took a significant leap when he relocated to Karachi, acting on a relative’s advice.

Domestic Career

Sohail’s domestic career, marked by impressive performances and records, began with a discovery during a speed talent hunt by former Pakistan pace legend Sikandar Bakht.

He was bowling at impressive speeds of 85 mph. Noted by Rashid Latif at a private club, Sohail spent almost a year in rigorous training, enhancing his skills and fitness.

His hard work bore fruit with his selection for Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC) in the 2007-08 season.

In his debut match against Pakistan Customs in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Sohail claimed 10 wickets, making a resounding entry into domestic cricket.

He finished as the leading wicket-taker that season with 65 wickets at an average of 18.43, including eight five-wicket and two ten-wicket hauls.

He also played for Sind in the RBS Pentangular Cup, taking 23 wickets in four matches.

His record-breaking performance of 16/189 against WAPDA in a match surpassed Fazal Mahmood’s 51-year-old record for the best match haul by a Pakistani in domestic cricket.

International Career

Sohail’s international debut was against Zimbabwe in an ODI at Iqbal Stadium on January 30, 2008. His Test debut followed against Sri Lanka at National Stadium in February 2009.

Though his early international outings were less impactful compared to his domestic achievements, he kept improving his skills.

A significant highlight of his ODI career was the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. In Pakistan’s opening match against India, Sohail took 5 wickets for 55 runs, almost achieving a hat-trick in the last over by dismissing MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane.

Despite his effort, Pakistan lost the match. In a rain-affected game against South Africa, he played a key role by taking the wicket of AB de Villiers.

He helping Pakistan secure their first World Cup win against South Africa. Sohail ended the tournament as Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets.

His Test career saw a notable resurgence in 2016 against England. After a hiatus of five years, he returned to the Test squad, delivering impressive performances in the third and fourth Tests.

He took his first five-wicket haul in the third Test, although Pakistan lost the match. In the fourth Test, he again took a five-wicket haul, playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory, helping to draw the series 2-2.

Franchise Cricket

Sohail Khan has been a part of various T20 franchises, including Dhaka Dynamites, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Pakhtoons, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and New York Warriors.

His performances in these leagues have been noteworthy, contributing significantly to his teams with his pace bowling.

Career Across Formats

In Tests, Sohail played 9 matches, taking 27 wickets with a best of 5/68. In ODIs, he appeared in 13 matches, claiming 19 wickets with a best of 5/55.

His T20I career includes 5 matches with 5 wickets. His batting, though not his primary skill, featured a half-century in Tests.

Retirement and Legacy

On September 3, 2023, Sohail Khan announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket. However, he continues to play domestic white-ball and franchise cricket globally.

Over his international career, he picked up 51 wickets, including notable performances in the 2015 ODI World Cup and 39 wickets in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing five different teams.

List of Cricket Records by Sohail Khan

Sohail Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, has made significant strides in his international career, which spanned from 2008 to 2017.

His records in Test, ODI, and T20 cricket reflect his capabilities as a bowler. Here’s a detailed look at some of his notable records:

Top Records

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

– Ranked 14th for the best figures in an innings when on the losing side, with a haul of 5 wickets.
– At the age of 30 years and 346 days, he became the 44th oldest player to take a maiden five-wickets-in-an-innings.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

– Holds the 17th position for the most consecutive matches missed for a team between appearances, totaling 66 matches.
– Recorded one of the longest intervals between appearances, spanning 5 years and 359 days, placing him 40th in this category.

Sohail Khan’s Family: The Backbone of His Cricket Journey

Sohail Khan’s journey in cricket, marked by significant achievements and challenges, has been deeply influenced and supported by his family. His family background plays a crucial role in understanding the cricketer he has become.

Family Origins and Early Influence

Sohail Khan was born on March 6, 1984, in Karachi, Pakistan, into a family with a deep love for cricket. His early exposure to the sport was facilitated by his family’s passion for it.

His father, Anwar Khan, himself played cricket at the club level, which had a substantial influence on Sohail’s early interest in cricket.

Immediate Family

Anwar Khan was not just a cricket enthusiast but also Sohail’s first coach. He recognized Sohail’s talent early and was instrumental in instilling the fundamental skills of cricket in him.

Anwar’s experiences in club cricket and his coaching were pivotal in shaping Sohail’s cricketing career from a young age.

Brothers

Sohail has a brother named Murad Khan, who played first-class cricket before switching to modelling. He also has three brothers, Moin Khan, Shoaib Khan, and Azhar Khan.

Moin Khan is a notable figure in cricket, having represented Pakistan as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

The bond among the siblings, characterized by their shared love for cricket, created a nurturing environment for Sohail. Their friendly matches and healthy competition fostered a competitive spirit in him.

Wife and Children

Sohail’s wife, Huma Khan, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. Her emotional and practical support has been vital in helping him navigate the demands of professional cricket.

The couple has two children, a son named Saif Khan and a daughter named Sara Khan, who have brought immense joy and motivation into Sohail’s life.

I was unable to find detailed information about Sohail Khan’s earnings, endorsements, assets, and other financial aspects beyond his net worth. However, I can provide information on his estimated net worth.

Net Worth Overview of the Pakistan Legends – Sohail Khan

Sohail Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, has garnered considerable wealth over his career.

His financial profile, though not as extensively detailed as some of his contemporaries, still presents a picture of success derived from his cricketing endeavors.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Sohail Khan’s estimated net worth is around $2.5 million. This valuation is a result of his career progress over the years, with his net worth being $2 million in 2021, $1.6 million in 2020, and $1.28 million in 2019.

Income Sources

Sohail’s primary income source has been his career as a cricketer. He gained recognition early in his career, particularly during his debut first-class season in 2007, which set the foundation for his financial success.

His performances not only brought him fame but also contributed significantly to his wealth accumulation.

Sohail Khan: A Journey Through Controversies

Sohail Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, has been involved in several controversies throughout his career.

These incidents have garnered significant attention and have been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. Here’s a look at some of the major controversies involving Sohail Khan:

1. Spat with Virat Kohli During the 2015 World Cup

In a shocking revelation, Sohail Khan claimed that he had a spat with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli during the 2015 World Cup.

The nature of the spat and the exact details of the incident were not fully disclosed, but it highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit between players of these two cricketing nations.

2. Controversy Over English Language Skills

In August 2016, Sohail Khan faced an uncomfortable situation during a press conference. A Pakistan journalist questioned why he hadn’t learned English to communicate with international media.

This question came after Sohail’s impressive performance in a Test match against England, where he took a five-wicket haul.

The incident sparked a debate about the importance of English language skills for international cricketers, with many defending Sohail’s focus on his cricketing skills rather than language proficiency.

3. On-field Incident with Yasir Shah

During a Pakistan Super League match in 2018, Sohail Khan was involved in a controversial incident with teammate Yasir Shah.

Struggling to get Shah’s attention on the field due to the crowd noise, Sohail lost his temper and threw the ball towards Shah, narrowly missing his head.

This act left Shah visibly angry, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. The situation was diffused by Brendon McCullum, who intervened to calm both players.