Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: Ahmed Shehzad Sacked as Captain of HBL Side

Coming as a major blow, Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad will not lead his departmental team Habib Bank Limited (HBL). The explosive opener plays for the particular side in the domestic circuit. His name is not included in the roster of expected players to feature in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2018.

Shehzad, the batsman received another major blow as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn’t include his name in the list of contracted players.

Earlier, the Board provisionally suspended Shehzad when an independent review confirmed in July of the positive drug test.

Shehzad faces a major setback:

“He has been given till July 18, 2018, to advise whether he wishes to have his B Sample tested and till July 27 to respond to the charges levelled in the Notice of Charge,” the PCB said in a statement.

Shehzad last played for Pakistan against Scotland. He managed to score a total of 38 runs over a couple of Twenty20 International games.

However, Pakistan recorded victories quite comfortably. There were numerous rumours going around the internet once PCB hinted at a major setback.

“A player has reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance. But under ICC rules PCB cannot name the player or charge-sheet him until the chemical report is confirmed by the Anti-Dope Agency of the government. We should have an answer in a day or two,” PCB had tweeted on June 20.

The news broke out late as the samples were sent to an Indian lab after being found positive in Pakistan.

A source had earlier told a daily that PCB didn’t wish to disclose the name as Ahmed Shehzad is a senior player in the side and it can have a negative impact. On the other side, it is a massive blow for HBL as the side is preparing for the upcoming first-class season of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The batsman has played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 57 T20Is for the Men in Green. Cricket fans have expressed their disappointment while colleagues of Shehzad refrained from making any statement related to the issue.