Pakistan's out-of-favour batter Ahmed Shehzad has decided to decline a contract from the Abu Dhabi T10 League to play in a domestic T20 tournament. Shehzad took to social media to announce that he got the No-Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) but will not be representing the Bangla Tigers in the T10 tournament.
Shehzad made his last international appearance for Pakistan in 2019 against Sri Lanka. He has been in good form in the ongoing National T20 Cup for Lahore Region Whites scoring 213 runs from three innings at an average of 106.50 including three half-centuries.
"I have respectfully refused a contract to play in the ongoing season of Abu Dhabi T10 League as I believe I have some unfinished business with my team Lahore Whites in the National T20 Cup, and I want to carry on playing domestic cricket in Pakistan. I have always believed in putting Pakistan first, and I will continue to strive towards earning a place in the national team once again," the 32-year-old said in a social media post on November 30.
"Really appreciate @TheRealPCB for granting me NOC for @T10League, but I want to continue respecting our domestic cricket and set an example for youngsters watching me and others play in this tournament.
"I would also like to thank @BanglaTigers_ae for the generous offer and I feel honoured to have them acknowledging my domestic performances in #NationalT20. Thank you and best wishes for the tournament," he added.
While Shehzad's last T20I appearance was more than four years ago, he played his last Test and ODI in 2017.
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s new Director of Cricket, Mohammad Hafeez said that he knows about Shehzad’s performance in domestic cricket and the door is open for him.
“Ahmed Shehzad is also in our plans, domestic performers will definitely be considered for selection. We have Imam, Saim and Abdullah as openers and our Test team is more settled. Ahmad is also in the pipeline because doors are not closed on anyone. This is healthy professional competition and players will get their chances sooner or later,” Hafeez said in a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia.
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