Be it on the field or off the field, Pakistani cricketers are always at the center of discussion in various events. Match-fixing, false comments, or various negative incidents are common among them. But this time, a Pakistani cricketer made such an unbelievable claim which is shocking to hear. Khurram Manzoor, who played for the Pakistan national team, sparked discussion by claiming that he had been offered to play for Bangladesh. Khurram played a total of 26 international matches in the Pakistan jersey. He is not that famous. He played the last match for the national team in Mirpur in 2016. There are 7 half-centuries along with one century in 16 Tests for Pakistan. There are three more half-centuries in seven ODIs. He also played three T20Is. And it was he who was offered to wear the red and green jersey of the Tigers. Manzoor made this claim in an interview given to Cricket Pakistan. He claimed that despite performing well, then coach Mickey Arthur did not call him to the Pakistan team. At that time he got an offer to play for Bangladesh. Manjur said, ‘Personal preference works here. In 2016, Mickey Arthur came and selected 30 players and only gave them a chance to play. I was not among those 30 people. So I was never considered for selection. Arthur didn’t like me despite my performance. In 2009 I was offered citizenship in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh wanted me to play for them. But I have always thought of playing for my country. Citing his performance in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, he claimed that his place in the national team was justified. He even compared Virat Kohli with himself. He said, ‘My conversion rate in List ‘A’ cricket is better than Virat Kohli’s. It took me less time than Kohli to score each century. Kohli scores a century every six innings. And I scored a century every 5.7 innings. Yet I have been shunned, I have no idea why. One of the top five batsmen in the last 10 years. I have 24 centuries in my last 48 innings. I have the highest century as an opener in the national T20. I have had the most runs as an opener in domestic cricket since 2015. Sarfraz Ahmed is preferred by Manzoor as the captain of Pakistan. Currently, Babar Azam is serving as the captain in all three formats. But according to Manzoor, Sarfraz is a better decision-maker than Babar. He said, ‘Sarfraz is a better dishon maker than Babar. He won the U19 World Cup for Pakistan. Won the ICC Champions Trophy. He has won 11 consecutive series for Pakistan. He is the one who made Pakistan the number-one team in T20.

Khurram Manzoor is best known for his outspoken comments on Pakistan cricket. So there is a lot of doubt about the authenticity of getting an offer to play for Bangladesh.