by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has announced his departure from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) via a message posted on his social media accounts. The 32-year-old expressed disappointment at not being selected in the recent PSL draft and hinted at what he believes is a deliberate effort to exclude him from the league.
Despite consistently strong performances in the domestic circuit in recent years, Shahzad raised questions about the selection process. He argued that, despite impressive statistics, he was overlooked in favor of players with inferior records. Shahzad stated that he knows the reasons behind his exclusion, promising to reveal them soon, leaving fans and the cricketing community in suspense.
In his message, Shahzad wrote, “A heartfelt goodbye to Pakistan Super League! I’m writing this note which I thought I wouldn’t be writing this year. Another PSL draft goes by, and the same old story – didn’t get picked. God knows why! But they plan, and Allah plans. Indeed, ALLAH is the best of Planners.”
Shahzad emphasized that his decision to part ways with the PSL is motivated by self-respect and a commitment to the game rather than financial gain. He claimed to have turned down offers to play in international leagues across the globe, choosing instead to focus on the domestic circuit to prove his dedication to Pakistani cricket.
“I’m parting ways and saying goodbye to Pakistan Super League for my own self-respect. I’ve never played for money and will never do it,” Shahzad stated. He further explained that, despite offers to play in various leagues, he chose to grind in the domestic circuit to prove his love for the game and wear the Green Flag again. Shahzad announced that he will not play in the PSL again with the current six teams.
Expressing gratitude to his fans worldwide, Shahzad assured them that he would not compromise on his principles and would continue to stand firm on his moral responsibilities. He concluded his message by highlighting the challenges faced by those who prioritize patriotism and putting their nation first in the contemporary era, vowing to continue doing so.
In the recent PSL 9 Draft held in Lahore, notable players like Ahmad Shahzad, Haider Ali, Sharjeel Khan, and Umar Akmal went unpicked, alongside talents like Danish Aziz, Mubasir Khan, Arshad Iqbal, and Muhammad Huraira. The draft also saw international stars Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ashton Agar, Dasun Shanaka, Ben Duckett, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Maheesh Theekshana left unpicked.
