Usman Khan, a batsman who played in the UAE cricket scene, was banned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for five years. The reason for the ban boils down to a clash of cricketing aspirations:

  • UAE ambitions: Khan had been residing and playing in the UAE with the apparent intention of representing the national team. The ECB even invested in him with a one-year contract and development opportunities.
  • Shifting loyalties: However, things changed after Khan's impressive performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was called up to a training camp for the Pakistan national team, suggesting a switch in his desire to play for his country of birth.

The ECB saw this as a betrayal. Their statement claimed Khan "misrepresented his intentions" and used their support to pursue another path. As a consequence, they imposed a five-year ban on him from participating in any ECB-sanctioned tournaments or local UAE cricket events.