Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has withdrawn from the upcoming Champions Cup, expressing his frustration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on social media. In a heated post on X (formerly Twitter), Shehzad accused the PCB of “injustice and favoritism”, leading to his decision to opt out of the tournament.
Earlier this month, the PCB introduced the Champions Cup, a new initiative aimed at “bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket” in Pakistan. The tournament, which includes three formats—first-class, 50-overs, and T20—will take place in Faisalabad from September 12-29, featuring the top 150 cricketers in the country.
Shehzad, who last represented Pakistan in a T20I in 2019, was initially selected as one of the top cricketers for the Champions Cup. However, his public criticism of the PCB, accusing them of “favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players,” led to his withdrawal from the competition. This outburst highlights Shehzad’s ongoing frustrations with the board, particularly regarding his exclusion from the national team and perceived lack of opportunities for domestic players.
He tweeted, “With a heavy heart, I’ve decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup. The PCB’s favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players are unacceptable. In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an All-time Low. It’s even more disrespectful that the PCB claims they don’t have ‘instruments for surgery’ which is a huge disrespect for domestic players. As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup.”
With a heavy heart, I've decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup. The PCB's favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players are unacceptable. In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB…
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) August 30, 2024
Ahmed Shehzad’s decision to pull out of the Champions Cup and his public criticism of the PCB could have significant implications for his cricketing career. While the tournament is designed to showcase domestic talent and potentially open doors for international selection, Shehzad’s withdrawal may further strain his relationship with the PCB, complicating any future prospects for a return to the national team.
