ICC World Cup 2019: Mohammad Shahzad Threatens to Retire After World Cup Snub

Afghanistan Cricket Team is yet to secure a win in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. Amidst their poor form, Afghanistan Cricket Board claimed that knee injury ruled out veteran wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad from the tournament. However, Shahzad made serious allegations claiming that the board axed him forcefully. And now, the veteran cricketer has threatened to quit after he had to return to the country midway in the World Cup.

Shahzad threatens to retire from cricket

Mohammad Shahzad sustained a knee injury during Afghanistan’s warm-up game against Pakistan. He had to retired hurt and didn’t take part in that game. However, Shahzad featured in Afghanistan’s opening two games against Australia and Sri Lanka, but the injury only aggravated to rule him out of the World Cup. However, Shahzad claimed that he has no injuries and the management removed him forcefully.

Also read: Shakib Al Hasan Doubtful For Sri Lanka Clash Due To Thigh Injury

As he returns to the country, Mohammad Shahzad has claimed that he would retire if ACB doesn’t want him to play. He has managed to score only seven runs from two games during their defeat against Australia and Sri Lanka. Shahzad also claimed that doctors told that he will be available for selection give a two-three days rest. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old was also not a part of the 2015 World Cup squad and admitted that his heart doesn’t beat for cricket anymore.

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“If they don’t want me to play, I will quit cricket,” an emotional Shahzad told local media after returning to Kabul, according to website ESPNcricinfo.

“I don’t see myself playing anymore. If they (ACB) have a problem, they should let me know. I went to a doctor in London and he … said that I could play after resting for two-three days. I was removed from the 2015 World Cup and now this one as well. I am going to consult with friends and family, my heart isn’t in cricket anymore,” he added.

Afghanistan replaced Mohammad Shahzad with an 18-year-old wicket-keeper batsman Akram Ali Khil. They play South Africa on Saturday at Cardiff as both the teams look for their first win in the World Cup.