Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Super League (PSL) organizers for prioritizing connections over genuine talent. According to Shehzad, the league is for players who have good connections and does not care about talented players.
Shehzad also claimed that the organizers want him to participate in the revival of the PSL, which he claimed was on a declining path. But he refused the offer and vowed to fight against injustice.
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Ahmed Shehzad slams PSL
Ahmed Shehzad took to social media and explained his decision to walk away from the upcoming PSL season. He faulted the league for prioritizing deeper connections rather than going after players with genuine talent. Shehzad also claimed that he did not register for PSL 2025 and said that he already broke up last year.
“My decision to leave PSL stems from the absence of merit and prioritizing connections over genuine talent. I did not sign up for PSL 10 and publicly parted ways with the league last year,” Shehzad posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Shehzad further mentioned to X that PSL organizers wanted him to participate to revive it. But he wants to fight against injustice for certain cricketers and he wants to stay there till the end.
“They want me to be part of a league that's declining every year, looking for players to revive it, but I'm not interested without the assurance of merit in this league. I stand for those who have been overlooked and will continue to do so. fight for justice in our sport, Insha'Allah I will not give in and stand firm till the end,” he added.
My decision to leave PSL stems from the absence of merit and prioritizing connections over genuine talent. I didn't register for PSL 10 and publicly parted ways with the league last year. They want me to be in a league that drops every year, looking for…
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) January 12, 2025
PSL 2025 project date
Despite Ahmed Shehzad claiming that he has not signed up for PSL 2025, his name has been included in the gold category among local players in the draft. The PSL 2025 draft will be held in Lahore on January 13.
Due to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PSL has been postponed. The league is likely to coincide with the IPL, making it less favorable for big foreign players. The Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, will begin on February 19.
Ahmed Shehzad's PSL numbers
Ahmed Shehzad's last PSL match was in 2020 while playing for Quetta Gladiators. He had a disappointing season with the bat with 61 runs in 7 innings. Overall, Shehzad played 46 matches in the PSL and scored 1077 runs at an average of 26.26 and a strike rate of 120.06.
Shehzad's last international match came in 2019 against Sri Lanka in Lahore. Since then, the 33-year-old opener has been out of the national team. Recently, he expressed concern over Pakistan's poor performance in all formats.