Brief profile of Wasim Khan by Matthew Reed

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Player:

WG Khan

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DateLine: 14th November 2005

 

When Wasim Khan signed for Derbyshire for the 2001 season, it was supposed to serve as a blueprint for the cash strapped county, as Derbyshire had agreed deals so that every facet of his contract (wages, car etc) were provided through sponsorship. Alas, such an arrangement didn’t work. He scored 1 run in his sole First-class appearance for the county, and in seven limited-overs matches he scored more than 15 just twice. Skipper Dominic Cork actually seemed to favour his bowling as much as his batting, and many a spectator thought they’d misheard when the announcer correctly announced that he was coming on first change with his occasional leg breaks in a Benson & Hedges zonal match against Leicestershire. Khan’s career peaked, both personally and professionally, in his first season in county cricket in 1995. He averaged 46.25 in 12 Championship matches (mostly as opener), as Warwickshire stormed to a second successive Championship title. Two seasons of diminishing returns followed, until a move to the south coast with Sussex brought about a revival of sorts, although he still struggled to average over 30. A tendency to be out bowled or LBW haunted him throughout his career, and was a block on Khan achieving more in his career. However, although he only infrequently featured in the Warwickshire limited-overs team, Khan does at least have the significant consolation of a Championship winners medal.

 

(November 2005)

 

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Matthew Reed)