Home
Pakistan's Sialkot-born 24-year-old cricketer Shahzaib Bhatti has called time on his international cricket career. Bhatti who played a crucial role in Sialkot Region's thrilling one-wicket win over Peshawar Region in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 with an unbeaten 32, has alleged politics and corruption in Pakistan’s domestic cricket setup. He dreamt of playing for Pakistan but took the decision out of frustration as he was benched for 40 games in a row.
"Goodbye Pakistan cricket. At 24 years of age I am leaving Pakistan cricket. I won the Quaid e Azam final last year on live television. Since then I've been benched for almost 40 games in a row," Shahzaib Bhatti posted on X.
"My only dream is to represent Pakistan. But politics, corruption, lack of structure has ruined my career. And many others I now know why everyone is leaving Pakistan cricket. Goodbye," he added.
Shahzaib Bhatti domestic cricket stats
So far, Bhatti has played two first-class, one List A and T20 game each. In red-ball cricket, he has five wickets. He claimed a five wickets for 236 runs against Lahore Whites in December 2024. He made his List A debut in 2024 for Eshaal in President's Cup Grade 1, taking two wickets. He made his T20 debut against Rawalpindi, claimed one wicket and conceded 47 runs from his quota of four overs.
Ex-Pakistan players on domestic cricket’s failed structure
During the course of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, many former cricketers including Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez and others had alleged that the country’s domestic cricket is flawed. They feel it is the reason why Pakistan have been delivering below-par performances in ICC tournaments in the last three years.
After their T20 World Cup 2026 exit from the Super 8 stage, the Pakistan selection committee has already announced the squad for ODI series against Bangladesh, making wholesale changes, giving chances to youngsters. The selection committee has been criticised for picking players who don’t have enough experience in domestic cricket.
ADVERTISEMENT
