In a surprising turn of events, Ahmed Shehzad found himself overlooked once more as he went unpicked in the supplementary and replacement draft ahead of PSL 9. This comes after the batsman was left devastated when he went unselected in the player draft in December 2023, marking the fourth consecutive season without a team in the league.
Despite boasting impressive recent domestic stats, Shehzad’s PSL journey has been marred by a lack of opportunities. His last appearance in the league dates back to 2020, and the recent snub has led to disappointment for the seasoned cricketer.
Ahmed Shehzad Bypassed Again: Unpicked in PSL 9 Supplementary Draft Despite Stellar Domestic Stats
Shehzad’s decision to part ways with the PSL was made public in December 2023, expressing his frustration and hinting at what he believed to be a collective decision by all six teams to exclude him. In a heartfelt statement, he revealed,
“I’m parting ways and saying goodbye to the Pakistan Super League for my own self-respect. I’ve never played for money and will never do it.”
Highlighting his commitment to domestic cricket, Shehzad emphasized,
“While many chose international leagues across the globe, I decided to grind in the domestic circuit to prove my love for the game, and to wear the Green Flag again.”
The cricketer’s decision stems from a sense of loyalty to Pakistani cricket and a determination to represent the national team. Despite receiving offers to play in various international leagues, Shehzad chose to focus on the domestic circuit.
Addressing the perceived collective decision to sideline him, Shehzad remarked,
“I will not play the PSL again with these six teams. It seems like a shared responsibility to keep me away from PSL, and all franchises have shaken hands.”
As his fans raise their voices in support of the seasoned batsman, Shehzad’s career statistics underscore his prowess with the bat. Across formats, he has accumulated a staggering 6892 runs in First-Class cricket, 7031 runs in List A matches, and 6877 runs in T20s, showcasing his versatility as a batsman.
The ongoing saga surrounding Ahmed Shehzad’s exclusion from the PSL continues to spark discussions and debates within the cricketing community, leaving fans and pundits questioning the factors influencing team selections in one of Pakistan’s premier cricketing tournaments.
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