From Playing International Cricket To Taxi Driver: The Tragic Life Story Of Arshad Khan

Life is highly unpredictable. You can anticipate what may happen the next day that can change your life forever. The cricketing world isn’t untouched in this respect. The story of Arshad Khan proves this point. From being a member of an international cricket team to becoming a cab driver, Arshad’s story is filled with ups and downs and can captivate the heart of any sports lover.

Arshad Khan News: Who is He?

He has been a member of the Pakistani cricket team of yesteryears. If you watch cricket too often, you may recollect that the former off-spinner claimed 5 wickets for 38 to defeat Sri Lanka in the Asian test championship final held at Dhaka. It was the bowling disaster of Arshad Khan that helped Pakistan to clinch the title then.

Arshad was a right-arm off-break bowler. He made his debut against the West Indies in 1997. The cricketer opted to stay out of the limelight after his retirement. Arshad Khan, now 52, has played 9 test matches and 58 one-day internationals for Pakistan. Although he might have not appeared in too many games, he has made remarkable performances for his side on various occasions. The final of the Asian test championship is one such moment.

What Happened to Arshad Khan’s Career?

At one stage, Arshad’s career was flourishing by leaps and bounds. Many experts believed that he would break several bowling records. However, life has its surprises. Even cricketers can face serious issues due to one or the other reasons. Arshad Khan wasn’t an exception. He was dropped from the Pakistani team after he decided to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL). The league, however, didn’t receive any support from ICC and BCCI.

Many people think that Arshad’s decision to join the ICL cost him his career. It ended his international cricket career forever. The Pakistani selectors never gave a thought to this fantastic spinner since then. So, cricket lovers didn’t get a chance to see this off-spinner performing on cricket pitches. The bowler essentially went into the dark once he was dropped and ignored by the national selectors.   

Arshad Khan Became a Cab Driver

In 2015, the bowler was reported to have moved to Sydney. He became a cab driver and has been dropping people to their destination since then. A few years ago, he came into the spotlight due to a social media user. The user shared a post mentioning his chance to meet Arshad Khan. According to the user, Arshad was the driver of their cab. They started chatting during their commute when Arshad revealed that he played for the Pakistan cricket team.

He also told the user that he travelled to Hyderabad many times to play for Lahore Badshahs in the ICL. The user was shocked when he partially recognized Arshad Khan and remembered him. Finally, the user departed after shaking hands with the veteran spinner. Arshad's most memorable moment came during the India tour in 2005. He has also claimed the wickets of legends like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Arshad played both his last ODI and test against India at Rawalpindi and Bangalore respectively.

Arshad Khan Latest News

Recent reports claimed that the veteran spinner is back in Pakistan’s cricket. He has now become a bowling coach. Arshad has been made the spin bowling coach for the Women’s National Cricket Team. 

Arshad Khan was an impressive off-break spinner for Pakistan. However, his life turned upside down when he joined ICL. So, he had to move to Sydney to work as a cab driver to make ends meet. Fortunately, he’s now back in the cricketing arena in the form of a coach. Let’s see what new interesting things come up about this veteran bowler.

FAQs
What are the best bowling figures of Arshad Khan in ODI?
His best ODI figures are 4 for 33.
When did Arshad play his last ODI?
He played his last ODI in 2006 against India.
When did Arshad make his international debut?
The bowler was first selected for an ODI match against Zimbabwe in 1993.