Kevin Pietersen shocked on Ahmed Shehzad’s exclusion

Kevin Pietersen was absolutely shocked on Ahmed Shehzad’s exclusion from the national squad for Pakistan’s preparatory camp for England tour. Pakistan recently announced their probable squad of 35 members for the tour to England next month. The squad is scheduled to undergo a month-long preparatory camp in a bid to be fully prepared for the English summer.

The notable omissions from the squad are Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Ahmed Shehzad. While Shahid Afridi’s omission was termed as a chance for youngsters by the Chief Selector Inzamam Ul Haq, there was no comment on why Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad were left out.

Expressing his disappointment on the exclusion of the opening batsman, Ahmed Shehzad, Pietersen exclaimed that he is absolutely gutted at this decision by the Pakistan team. Pietersen played with Ahmed Shehzad in the Pakistan Super League and shared the dressing room for the team Quetta Gladiators. The South Africa-born English batsman further cited that Shehzad was a standout performer in the PSL and the decision to exclude him from the national side is beyond his level of understanding. Pietersen tweeted, “Gutted for, @iamAhmadshahzad! Playing the PSL, he was a standout batter & fun lad! How he doesn’t get selected is beyond me! #PickTheBest”.

Gutted for, @iamAhmadshahzad! Playing the PSL, he was a standout batter & fun lad! How he doesn't get selected is beyond me! #PickTheBest

— KP (@KP24) May 3, 2016

Ahmed Shehzad retweeted and said it is an honour for him that such a big player is worried for him.

Honour for me tht the player like u is worried about my future!! ? https://t.co/igYQ51oW91

— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 3, 2016

Kiwi batsman Grant Elliot, who was also a part of Quetta Gladiators, took to twitter to show his disappointment too. He tweeted that he was surprised at Shehzad’s exclusion from the side.

Surprised at the exclusion of @iamAhmadshahzad from the UK tour.Great team man and had a standout PSL,WC and recent domestic competition

— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) May 3, 2016

Shehzad retweeted and asked how the Kiwi batsman was. He further said he thought Elliot would be playing the IPL.

Hey h r u old friend !! Good to hear from u ✌️ !! I thought u ll b playing ipl? https://t.co/9HKyQrz9sy

— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 3, 2016

Also read – Steve Smith expresses disappointment on being ruled out of IPL