Ahmed Shehzad upset on being ignored for Asia Cup and World T20

Pakistani opener Ahmed Shehzad has expressed disappointment over his omission from the Asia Cup and World T20 squads inspite of a strong show in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Shehzad was the top scorer for the Quetta Gladiators with 64 runs in the final match of PSL which was eventually won by Islamabad United. He finished the tournament as the fourth leading scorer with 290 runs at a decent average of 29 and a magnificent strike rate of 143.56.

But he has not been able to replicate such performances for Pakistan in the recent past. He last scored a half century in T20Is almost 2 years ago spanning over 15 innings. Even during their New Zealand tour, he scored just a meagre 33 runs in 3 games

“I don’t know or understand the reason behind dropping an established player after a bad performance in one or two series,” Shezhad was quoted saying to a Pakistan news channel.

“If performance was the only criteria then I should have been selected. I’ve performed well in the last three and a half years,”

“Anyhow, my job as a player is to perform on the field and also to enjoy my cricket which is under my control,” he added.

Shehzad when asked about his message for skipper Afridi, who is known to be a close friend said, “The team has been picked according to their (management and captain) wish and good luck to them.”

Consistency has never been Shehzad’s strength. He had scored a match-winning 111 off 62 balls against Bangladesh during the World T20 in 2014 but failed to do anything extraordinary in the rest of the tournament.

“A player’s form can fluctuate, but ability is something that always remains consistent. I am not disappointed; I am very much satisfied with my performances.”

“The team has been picked according to the management’s wish and good luck to them.

“I am still young and have hit 10 international centuries, which is a great achievement, and I will be back very, very soon.”

Pakistan begin their Asia Cup campaign today against arch rivals India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

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