Disappointed Ahmad Shahzad bids farewell to Pakistan Super League

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has announced his departure from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) through a message posted on his social media accounts on Friday. 

Shehzad expressed his disappointment at not being picked in the recent PSL draft and hinted at what he believes is a deliberate effort to keep him out of the league.

The 32-year old, who has consistently performed well in the domestic circuit in recent years, raised questions about the selection process, stating that despite his impressive numbers, he was overlooked in favor of other players with inferior statistics. Moreover, Shahzad went on to say that he knows the reasons behind his exclusion, which he promises to reveal soon, leaving fans and the cricketing community in suspense.

"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 same old story - didn't get picked. God knows why! But they plan, and Allah plans. Indeed ALLAH is the best of Planners. I have tried really hard by giving it all in domestic circuit consistently in last few years, and did reasonably well in the National T20 Cup just before the PSL draft," Shahzad wrote.

"There seems a deliberate effort to keep me out, even when franchises have opted for other performers with inferior numbers than me. But when everything is pre-planned so it doesn't really matter.I don't know whose responsibility it is to get top domestic performers in the PSL then. But I exactly know the reasons why I'm not made part of the PSL - the whole country, and my fans will know it very soon," he further added.

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. Shehzad claimed that he has 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. 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. I'm taking this decision keeping money out of it (was offered several contracts to play leagues yet chose Pakistan). I will not play the PSL again with these 6 teams. It seems like a shared responsibility to keep me away from PSL, and all franchises have shaken hands," he added.

Expressing gratitude to his fans worldwide, Shehzad 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.

Lastly, I'm thankful to all the support I've received from my fans across the world. | can only assure one thing and that's never giving in to unfair demands or accept anything which lets my country down. All I know is in this day and age being patriotic and putting your nation first goes against you. I'm thankful to my Allah that I always stood firm on my moral responsibilities and have never let myself, my family and my country down. If that's the price I have to pay for my honesty and dedication, it's really a small price to pay and I will continue doing it. Pakistan Zindabad," he concluded.

A heartfelt goodbye! pic.twitter.com/7NdjpCXjeR

— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) December 15, 2023

It is worth noting that 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 went unpicked  in PSL 9 Draft held in Lahore on Wednesday.

The draft also saw international stars Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ashton Agar, Dasun Shanaka, Ben Duckett, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Maheesh Theekshana left unpicked.