Disappointed not to play PSL 2021 in Pakistan: Usman Khawaja

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja is disappointed that the remaining 20 matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 will be played in Abu Dhabi. He is set to feature for Islamabad United and is currently in quarantine. However, he rues missing out on an opportunity to play in the country of his birth.

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Earlier, PSL 2021 was supposed to be completed in Karachi itself from June 1 to 20. But the PCB had to change the plans due to upsurge in COVID-19 cases in the country. Accordingly, the tournament moved to Abu Dhabi and after late exemptions and travel, the PSL, reportedly, is set to begin on June 9.

Khawaja is playing in the PSL for the first time and is excited for the same. However, he lamented the fact that he won't be playing in Pakistan. "I am very excited to take part in PSL 2021. Obviously, would have liked to play in Pakistan. Not to get the opportunity is a little bit disappointing. But hopefully will get to play some cricket soon, which is the main thing.

"As long as we play, the fans can watch on TV. Yeah, would have been nicer to have played in Pakistan. But this is the next best thing," he said while speaking to Cricket Pakistan.

Usman Khawaja also recalled the last time he travelled to Pakistan for his brother's wedding almost 10-11 years before. His family is from Karachi but the cricketer likes Islamabad as he was born in the city. "It’s a nice little circle (playing for Islamabad United). My family is all from Karachi and then we moved to Islamabad one or two years before I was born. So I was born in Islamabad and it is very close to my heart.

"I have been there two or three times since we have moved to Australia. It is always nice, a beautiful city. Very nice to be playing for Islamabad United. It is a nice link to have. I haven’t played in Pakistan ever as our domestic cricket clashes with PSL every year. I last came to Pakistan around 10-11 years back for my brother’s wedding