Don't compare me with Umar Akmal, says Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad’s recent performances have added more roadblocks in his way to cement a spot in the national side. The right-hander has been affected by a string of disappointing batting displays and has pleaded his critics to not beat with him with the same stick they use for compatriot Umar Akmal.

After his recent failures with the national side, the 27-year-old is baffled regarding the criticism which he has received. Shehzad has now opened up for the first time regarding his poor run of form. After being sidelined due to a drug ban, the right-hander was given a chance to prove himself in the T20I series against Sri Lanka in Lahore in October. However, Shehzad failed to seize the opportunity and could only gather 4 and 13 runs in the two T20 Internationals.

Shehzad, while addressing a press conference in Lahore ahead of the seventh round fixtures of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, stated that he is eager to cement his spot in the Pakistan team. He also opened up regarding a few other issues. He also stated that he does not want to blame anyone but himself for his recent failures.

“I cannot give excuses. I cannot say that I only got two matches and someone else got five of 10. I will try to do more next time whenever I get the chance,” Shehzad was quoted saying by GeoTV.

The right-hander, who has scored 2605 runs in 81 ODIs stated that he is ready to grab any chances that will help him to prove his potential. Shehzad has also scored six tons at an average of 32.6 in ODIs.

“I got two chances. I think one should be prepared enough to avail whatever chances that come their way, be it one or two,” he said.

“I believe that the amount of hard work I put in in the last two years, I had never done it in my entire life. It was unfortunate. I tried but it did not happen. Fair enough. Maybe God wants some more hard work from me,” added Shehzad.

Don’t lump me with Umar Akmal: Ahmed Shehzad

Shehzad also urged his critics to not integrate him with Umar Akmal. “He has his own life, I have mine. I request that we are not get lumped together as a duo. I should be judged on what I do and he on his conduct. It would also be unfair on him if I were to make a mistake but the blame was to fall on him,” he said.

The opening batsman also defended himself by stating that he is always trying to improve himself and make a comeback to the national side. Many critics have considered that Shehzad’s career is on the brink of extension. However, he still thinks that he can break into the national side.

“Some players get a match or two and then are never seen again, but I have already had six to seven comebacks. I will work even harder and come back better than ever,” he stated.