Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan on Monday has quashed all the speculations that he had personal grudges with its national team’s head coach Mickey Arthur.
“I strongly deny the rumours that Arthur and I have any personal issues or friction,” Sohail was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.
The right-arm bowler Sohail stated he has a great regard for Arthur while adding their relation is professional.
The reports also suggested Sohail was axed from the West Indies tour on disciplinary grounds following the altercation with Azhar Mahmood during the second edition of PSL, but chief selector of Pakistan Inzamam-Ul-Haq revealed Sohail was dropped over his fitness.
“Our relationship is quite professional and I have great respect for him,” Sohail added.
Earlier, Sohail was dropped from the limited-overs squad for the West Indies tour as there were rumours that the latter was livid with the selection committee.
“There was no fight between me and Arthur. He was pointing out everyone’s mistakes. He wasn’t targeting me individually. When a coach tells something to players, be it aggressively or normally, it is a player’s duty to listen to him and implement his ideas,” Sohail further added.
The 33-year-old Sohail also stated he has no personal issue with Pakistan Cricket Board’s committee.
“I also do not have any issues with the living legend Inzamam bhai or any other selectors,” Sohail remarked.
Sohail has also shown his satisfaction over his form before adding his task is to do well for the national side by giving his hundred percent.
“My job is to work hard and put up a better show for Pakistan and I work on that all the time,” Sohail concluded.
However, Sohail, who has been part of the Pakistan Super League franchise Karachi Kings was adjudged best bowler of the league during the second edition.
Earlier, in his last interview with ABC Radio for the Brisbane Test in December, Arthur said he was worried about Sohail’s survival level.
“Sohail Khan comes in and swings it right arm, but I’ve got a doubt about Sohail’s comeback ability,” Arthur was quoted by ABC Radio then.
Despite Arthur’s dissent previously, Sohail was the part of Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where he turned out to be the different bowler.
“He has bowled beautifully. He has trained exceptionally, that’s all I can say. I don’t know if you’ve seen him lately, he has lost seven-eight kilos, he’s the first guy in the gym at six in the morning,” Arthur told after MCG Test.
The Malakand-born Sohail has played 13 One-day Internationals, nine Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan since making his debut in 2008.