Paratha-wala Hanan Khan eyes Pakistan cricket team selection

Karachi: After Arshad Khan, a chaiwala from Pakistan, became an internet sensation and went on to bag modelling contracts, a paratha maker from the land of outrageous pace bowlers is set to play cricket for Pakistan side.

Hanan Khan is picked Pakistan’s NCA XI side which will play two Twenty20 games against a Malaysian side on January 14 and 15 at the Gadhafi Stadium in Lahore.

The 19-year-old, who aims to represent Pakistan, is supporting his dream by selling parathas in Karachi.

Hanan, who bats left-handed, was ecstatic after he was picked in the NCA side. He also was candid enough to admit that he was not sure whether the call was for real.

“I suspected it was a prank call so I called them back to make sure that someone’s not messing with me. I am incredibly happy to get this chance,” Hanan was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

Hanan Khan (Photo: Hana Khan Facebook)

He also thanked the selectors for picking him in the two Twenty20s.

“I belong to a region where cricket is not played that much but still the selectors come, watch emerging players and give them chances,” Hanan said.

“I am really thankful to all the people who have supported me, especially the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that has played an important part in promoting emerging players from my native Balochistan,” added Hanan, who was picked by the Pakistan Super League side Quetta Gladiators as a part of their talent hunt.

“It’s another step and this is how I will reach the national team and represent Pakistan one day,” concluded Hanan.

Arshad Khan, a chaiwala from Pakistan, was a social media hit after a photo of him went viral. (Photo: Instagram/ @jiah_ali)