SWABI, Feb 9: Mohammad Junaid Khan, the son of a tobacco grower, was included on Wednesday in the national team of cricket to take part in the World Cup. He is the first player, who got a place in the national team of cricket, from Swabi district. With his inclusion the number of Pakhtun players in the national cricket team reached to four.

The captain of the national team, Shahid Khan Afridi, belongs to Khyber Agency, pace bowler Umer Gul hails from Peshawar and Younis Khan, a key batsman, belongs to Mardan.

Sources said that all-rounder Sohail Tanvir was excluded from the World Cup squad due to unknown reasons and Junaid Khan succeeded to take his place.

His family said that he was informed about the decision by the officials of Pakistan Cricket Board.

The son of Zahir Khan, Mr Khan studied at government high school Dagai and postgraduate college Swabi. He belongs to Mathra, a far-flung lush-green region of Dagai union council.

His father said that he did not know anything about the cricket. However, he has given complete freedom to his son to play the game.

Born on December 24, 1989, Mr Khan played cricket from Abbottabad region, Abbottabad Rhinos and Pakistan under 19s. He is a left-arm medium-fast bowler and right-hand batman.

Since making his first-class debut for Abbottabad in January 2007, he has scalped 29 wickets in his first six matches at an impressive average of 18.79. He took a match haul of 13 for 77 against Peshawar in November 2007 and scored a 71 later against Rawalpindi.

Junaid’s favourite player is Imran Khan and he hopes to emulate the famous all-rounder's feats.

People started visiting his home and congratulated his father and family when the news about his selection reached here. The residents of the area said that they were proud of Mr Khan. “His inclusion in the team will boost the game in the district,” they added.