Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad has parted ways with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) citing 'deliberate efforts' to keep him out of the tournament. The batter said he made the decision to retain his self-respect.

In a detailed statement posted on X, Shazad blamed six PSL franchises for ignoring him in the PSL draft despite constantly scoring runs in the domestic T20 tournament.

"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," he wrote.

ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj Wins Impact Fielder Of South Africa T20I Series Medal | Watch

"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. 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," he added.

Shazad last played in PSL in 2020 for Quetta Gladiators. He also lifted the PSL title with the same franchise. In the 2020 season, the 32-year-old only scored 61 runs in seven innings.

ALSO READ: Kuldeep Yadav Backs South Africa Pitches After Match-winning Fifer In 3rd T20I

In 45 PSL matches, he scored 1077 runs at a strike rate of 120.06. He was the first Pakistani batter to score a century in T20I cricket.

"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. 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)," Shazad said.

Recommended For You

"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," he concluded.


Also In News