"A Heartfelt Goodbye To Pakistan Super League!" - Ahmed Shehzad Announces Retirement From The Tournament

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has officially retired from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), making him the first cricketer in history to take such a step in league cricket. Ahmed Shehzad confirmed that he will not play in the tournament again with the current six franchises.

Ahmed Shehzad had a stellar performance in the National T20 Cup, accumulating 344 runs with an impressive average of 43 and a striking strike rate of 133.33. Despite his noteworthy performances, he was not selected by any franchise in the draft for the PSL 2024 season.

Another PSL Draft Goes By And Same Old Story – Ahmed Shahzad

On December 15, Ahmed Shehzad announced on his official social media account that he is parting ways with the PSL. Shehzad hinted at a deliberate effort to keep him out and suggested that the reasons would be revealed soon.

“A heartfelt goodbye to Pakistan Super League! I’m writing this note which I thought I wouldn’t be writing this year. Another PSL draft goes by and same old story – didn’t get picked. God knows why! But they plan, and Allah plans. Indeed ALLAH is the best of Planners… I have tried really hard by giving it all in domestic circuit consistently in last few years, and did reasonably well in the National T20 Cup just before the PSL draft,” Shehzad wrote.

“There seems a deliberate effort to keep me out, even when franchises have opted for other performers with inferior numbers than me. But when everything is pre-planned so it doesn’t really matter. I don’t know whose responsibility it is to get top domestic performers in the PSL then. But I exactly know the reasons why I’m not made part of the PSL – the whole country, and my fans will know it very soon,” he added.

A heartfelt goodbye! pic.twitter.com/7NdjpCXjeR

— Ahmad Shahzad ?? (@iamAhmadshahzad) December 15, 2023

I Decided To Grind In The Domestic Cricket To Prove My Love For The Game – Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad expressed gratitude to his fans and emphasized his dedication to the country. He affirmed his commitment to moral responsibilities by choosing not to play franchise cricket around the world and putting his nation first.

“I’m parting ways and saying goodbye to Pakistan Super League for my own self respect. I’ve never played for money and will never do it. While many chose international leagues across the globe, I decided to grind in the domestic circuit to prove my love for the game, and to wear the Green Flag again. I’m taking this decision keeping money out of it (was offered several contracts to play leagues yet chose Pakistan). I will not play the PSL again with these 6 teams. It seems like a shared responsibility to keep me away from PSL, and all franchises have shaken hands,” Shehzad further added.

“Lastly, I’m thankful to all the support I’ve received from my fans across the world. I can only assure one thing and that’s never giving in to unfair demands or accept anything which lets my country down. All I know is in this day and age being patriotic and putting your nation first goes against you. I’m thankful to my Allah that I always stood firm on my moral responsibilities and have never let myself, my family and my country down. If that’s the price I have to pay for my honesty and dedication, it’s really a small price to pay and I will continue doing it. Pakistan Zindabad,” he concluded.

Also read: Shaheen Afridi Was Best Choice For Pakistan’s T20I Captaincy – Ahmed Shehzad