‘Ek time pe ise sasta Virat Kohli bolte the’ – Fans react as Ahmad Shahzad quits PSL, lashes out at franchises after not getting picked up during PSL 9 draft

Pakistani cricketer Ahmad Shahzad is heartbroken after he was unsold in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 drafts. The veteran opener was not picked up by any franchises which was quite shocking for him and the fans as well. It’d be sad not to see a familiar face in the 9th edition of PSL.

Shahzad recently voiced his disappointment for his snub from the upcoming edition and wrote a heartfelt note on social media. Shahzad announced that he is quitting PSL. He also lashed out at the franchises and that there was a deliberate effort to keep him out of the league.

“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 the 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 the domestic circuit consistently in last few years, and did reasonably well in the National T20 Cup just before the PSL draft.” Shazad 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.

It seems like a shared responsibility to keep me away: Ahmad Shahzad

Shahzad further added and said that all the franchises have shaken hands to keep him out of the league. He also expressed that he is sweating it out in domestic cricket to wear the green jersey again. However, he thanked his fans for consistently supporting him no matter what.

“I’m parting ways and saying goodbye to the Pakistan Super League for my 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.” he wrote.

“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.” Shahzad added.

Here’s how fans reacted: