(CMC) – Veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan says he is mulling over calling time on his regional career, but has not yet set a firm date for his departure.
The Trinidadian, who turns 40 next July, said while he still has the capacity to perform at regional level, he’s aware there are younger players on the horizon.
“I have always put Trinidad and Tobago cricket first, so I am looking forward to the four-day, and possibly another Super50 tournament; maybe my last. And, of course, maintaining my fitness and ensuring that I continue to pass each fitness test will be key,” Khan was quoted by the Trinidad Express newspaper as saying.
“I haven’t set a time frame to step away; I’m still fit and wanting to play. I’ve always put Trinidad and Tobago cricket first for many decades,” he said, adding:
“However, I know the time will come soon for me to step down to make way for younger players, but I’ll still like to be around to share my experience and knowledge.”
Khan has claimed 450 wickets from 113 first class matches, and picked up 71 scalps from 53 List A encounters.
Also considered an all-rounder, the right-hander has struck a first class hundred and 15 fifties in gathering 3, 622 runs.
A former Trinidad and Tobago captain, he did not feature in last month’s Super50 Cup after playing four of his country’s five first- class games earlier in the year, scoring 130 runs and taking 13 wickets.
“I wasn’t selected in the playing XI for the first four-day game, but I used that to get mentally stronger, which showed in my performance with the bat and ball,” said Khan.
“Of course, not being selected for the squad for 50 overs was disappointing, but I’m happy the team won.
“However, not being selected for that tournament, other doors opened. I had a great Legends League tournament, finishing with the most wickets and the title. I’ll say 2023 has been good to me.”
Khan, who made his first-class debut 18 years ago, and was good enough to represent West Indies-A, lamented the fact he had never gotten the opportunity to express his talents at international level.
“I guess the dream of playing for West Indies is over, safe to say … but [I’d] like to be around to share my knowledge,” he noted.
“Now [I’d] like to explore more franchise cricket. Clearly, I have what it takes to perform.”
He continued: “I have achieved being one of the best all-rounders regionally – I have several accolades to prove that.
“But it always will hurt that I never got the opportunity to play for West Indies. I did everything required of me, but God has a better plan.”
