Ahmed Shehzad criticizes PCB chief, slams Rizwan over religion remarks

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Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for permitting national players to participate in international leagues following a disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

Pakistan faced unexpected defeats against the USA and India in their initial matches, leading to an early exit from the tournament.

Shehzad, who last represented Pakistan in 2019, expressed dismay over the PCB's decision to allow twelve players to join international leagues despite their underwhelming performances for the national team. 

In a candid social media post on 'X,' the 32-year-old questioned the integrity of players who prioritized league contracts over national duties. He criticized the lack of immediate action by PCB officials despite reports from team management highlighting issues within the squad.

“PCB has allowed 12 players to play in leagues around the world after a very disappointing performance in the World Cup. These players have no shame; they did not perform for Pakistan, but now they will play league cricket as usual. Is it correct to do this by PCB?" Shehzad questioned.

"Where is the big surgery that Chairman PCB promised? Why hasn’t the surgery started yet? According to the report submitted by the manager and head coach, why action has not been taken against the players yet? These players are less interested in playing for Pakistan and only care about league contracts. We refused the contracts of various leagues to play domestic cricket in Pakistan but these players had no shame and asked for permission to play the leagues after a bad World Cup. Shameful act and PCB should ensure that players involved in grouping are removed from the team. These players should have apologized to the nation, but they have no remorse and do not care about the feelings of the fans,” he added.

The opening batter also criticized wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for invoking religion following his recent remarks on Islam during a press conference. 

He questioned the top-order batter, asking which religion advocates for players to falsify their fitness statuses and engage in theatrics on the field.

“It is really disappointing that some players are hiding their poor performance in the World Cup by holding unnecessary press conferences and playing the religion card. Where does religion go when they lie about their fitness and when they admit they were acting on the field? Does religion teach you to deceive others and lie in the field? You are paid to perform on the field, and you join the team instead. Religion teaches us to fulfil our responsibilities with full determination and not to lie about our suffering. Some spokespeople for these players want them to be given another chance, but why? This is the Pakistan team, and it is not their home team where they can play. If they want another chance, they can make their own team and play with their friends, but not for the Pakistan cricket team anymore," he said.

Shehzad also criticized certain Pakistan players for ridiculing the PCB Chairman's statement about a major overhaul in the national team after the disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.

We will not let PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi forget the big surgery he promised. Some players of the Pakistani team are now even mocking the chairman’s statement because they don’t care. But we will make sure that fans get their answers and action is taken against these players. We have taken a stand, and we will not back down until this Pakistan team is back on the right track,” he concluded.