Pakistan batsman Sharjeel Khan receives 'good welcome' after return from spot-fixing ban

Left-hander selected for T20 series in South Africa and Zimbabwe

Pakistan batsman Sharjeel Khan is back in the national team. AP

Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan was delighted with the welcome he has received since being recalled to the national squad after completing a lengthy ban for spot-fixing.

The 31-year-old was banned in 2017 for five years, with half the sentence suspended, for his actions during Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the UAE.

Sharjeel was named in the squad to play a series of Twenty20 internationals in South Africa and Zimbabwe next month.

"It was a good welcome and the atmosphere was very good," Sharjeel said after being asked about the reception he received.

"I have played with all these players in the past and in recent domestic matches, so there was no difficulty in adjusting."

Before his ban, the left-handed batsman had played one Test, 25 ODIs and 15 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan.

"Now I am back in the squad my focus is only on cricket," he said. "All the talk of the past is now past."

Sharjeel, who struck a century in this year's PSL before the competition was suspended last month because of a coronavirus outbreak, also pushed back against questions about his fitness.

"I have played 55-60 days of domestic cricket and I will achieve the goals given to me by the Pakistan team trainer," said Sharjeel. "I want to play my natural game on the tour."

Sharjeel, selected only for the four Twenty20 matches in South Africa and three in Zimbabwe, has until April 10 to further improve his fitness.

Pakistan's tour begins on April 2 with the first of three one-day internationals against South Africa.

"I am selected for Twenty20 internationals only, so I will do fitness work on the tour and get ready." The squad flies to South Africa on Saturday.