Tag: Ahmed Shehzad

Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has raised questions over Pakistan batters’ intent after the defeat in the first T20I against South Africa in Durban.

Pakistan, while chasing a target of 184 runs, fell short by 11 runs as they were restricted to 172-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The visiting side lost Babar Azam (0) early on before Saim Ayub scored a quick 31 off 15 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan held on to one end, playing an anchoring knock of 74 runs from 62 balls, which featured five boundaries and three sixes, before falling in the last over.

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However, he could not find much support from the other end with Tayyab Tahir (18) being the only third batter to cross the double figures.

Following Pakistan’s narrow loss, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and criticised the batting approach while chasing a massive target.

“Close but not good enough. Pakistan cricket team not learning from their past mistakes,” Shehzad posted. “Firstly letting South Africa to 180+ from where they were in the game was unbelievable, and then how we went to chase about this target was bizarre from the beginning.”

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Shehzad credited dot balls and lack of intent as the major reason behind Pakistan’s loss, while also urging senior players to take more responsibility.

“Too many dot balls & lack of intent in the chase cost us what could have been a victory for Pakistan. Seniors should be leading from the front not hiding behind youngsters,” he added.

However, he pointed out that Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed’s performances were the only positives for Pakistan in this game. Shaheen and Abrar took three wickets, while Saim played a quick 31-run knock from 15 balls.

READ: Shaheen Afridi achieves major milestone in first T20I against South Africa

Pakistan top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has raised questions over the decision to drop off-spinner Sajid Khan from the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside pace bowler Shaheen Afridi.

The decision did not sit well with Ahmed Shehzad, who criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for dropping Sajid despite his top-notch performance against England.

“You have dropped Sajid Khan from the South Africa series; are you people blind or out of your minds? Do you think you’re the only one going to play in South Africa, where the entire world doesn’t play? And there, you’re taking just Noman Ali,” Shehzad said in a video on his YouTube channel.

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“You should be thanking Sajid because in the slump Pakistan cricket has been stuck in for the last three and a half years — where it had hit rock bottom and people had started laughing at your cricket—he won matches for you.

“And this is how you’ve rewarded him? Just as he was becoming a superstar, you discarded him like a fly from milk.”

Shehzad also lambasted over the decision to rest Shaheen Afridi from the Test series.

“So, you’ve dropped Shaheen and brought in your own group. What did you achieve by dropping Shaheen? Managing workload, right? You’re just fooling the public in the name of workload management,” he stated.

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Pacers keep England on top after Brook’s ton in second New Zealand Test

Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad launched a scathing criticism against Pakistan batters after a humiliating defeat to Australia in the rain-effected first T20I in Brisbane.

Australia after being invited to bat first posted 93-4 in seven overs courtesy of the brilliant power hitting of Glenn Maxwell (43) and Marcus Stoinis (21) against a formidable pace attack of Pakistan.

In response, Pakistan managed 64 runs at the loss of nine and succumbed to a 29-run defeat.

Ahmed Shehzad expressed his disappointment with Pakistan’s batting performance on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, calling it ‘shameful.’

“Such a shameful display from Pakistan batsmen. Looks like Pakistan’s on a runaway train,” he posted.

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In another post, the opening batter urged senior players to take more responsibility, as they showed little resistance against the Australian bowlers.

“It was a truly disappointing performance by this Pakistan batting lineup. Youngsters like Sahibzada, Haseebullah, and Abbas showed intent, but it’s a team game, and Pakistan’s bowling won’t save them every day,” he posted.

“The seniors need to step up their game. Shot selections were poor, and we’re missing power compared to other teams.”

Pakistan and Australia will next face each other on November 16 in Sydney, while Hobart will host the third T20I on November 18.

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Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad recently discussed the abundant fast bowling talent in the country and commended the impressive bowling skills displayed by young pacer Akif Javed.

The 23-year-old pacer represented Markhors during the recently concluded Champions One-Day Cup. He played an instrumental role in Markhors’ runners-up campaign, taking seven wickets in five games at an average of 22.

During an appearance at a local news channel, Ahmed Shehzad appreciated the young fast bowler for his rhythm and pace.

“There was a time when Akif Javed was on the Pakistan team’s radar; he was very close, and his performances were strong, especially in red-ball cricket where his pace had improved significantly,” he said.

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“However, he may have gotten injured, which caused him to fall a bit off the radar, and the management that wanted to bring him in also changed. Now he seems to be back in rhythm and looking fast,” he added.

Ahmed Shehzad further praised Akif and compared him to legendary pacer Waqar Younis and Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, who is currently serving as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach.

“He relies on sheer pace, similar to Jason Gillespie and Waqar Younis. If he gets the right opportunity, he can definitely contribute to the Pakistan team,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that former Pakistan Salman Butt also demanded Akif’s inclusion in the national squad for the upcoming Test series against England.

“Akif Javed should have been considered for selection. He’s been bowling well, taking wickets, and showing good line and length,” Butt stated.

READ: Zaheer Abbas demands Babar Azam’s exclusion from Pakistan squad

Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad shared a piece of advice for ageing Sarfaraz Ahmed, stating that the former captain “must now consider his career direction”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England, which marked the return of fast bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal and left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

Sarfaraz, who served as the mentor for the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup, retained his place in the squad as the backup wicket-keeper alongside Mohammad Rizwan.

However, during the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator 1 between Lions and Stallions, Jason Gillespie highlighted Sarfaraz’s growing age and the need to give chances to young wicketkeepers.

“Sarfaraz [Ahmed] has always been a wonderful servant, leading the team very well. However, we know Sarfaraz is not getting any younger, and at some point, we need to start exploring and offering opportunities to other players,” Gillespie said.

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Meanwhile, Ahmed Shehzad, speaking on his YouTube channel, reacted to Jason Gillespie’s remarks about Sarfaraz Ahmed and highlighted the wicketkeeper batter’s services to the national cricket team before suggesting that he should consider his career direction.

“Jason Gillespie, the red-ball coach, said about Sarfaraz Ahmed that ‘Sarfaraz is not getting younger anymore; we need to keep finding youngsters.’ He also mentioned that there can’t be too many changes in the Pakistan team because they have only lost one series so far, and potential players can’t just be ruled out after a single series,” he said.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed has made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket, notably winning the 2017 Champions Trophy as captain. Despite criticisms of his leadership and decision-making, he has consistently played well. After a tough period when he was dropped due to declining performances, Babar Azam supported him and kept him connected with the team. However, Sarfaraz must now consider his career direction, especially as he’s not getting younger. Jason Gillespie raises a crucial point, but is there a capable replacement for him in the pipeline?

“For now, Sarfaraz must now consider his career direction, especially as he’s not getting younger. The PCB needs to ensure there’s a solid backup ready to step up.”

READ: Markhors qualify for Champions Cup final as Eliminator two washed out

Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has criticised Pakistan’s Test head coach Jason Gillespie over the lack of changes in the squad for the series against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England. However, the squad carried almost the same players that lost the Test series 2-0 to Bangladesh recently.

Jason Gillespie defended the squad while commentating during the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator 1 between the Lions and Stallions on Wednesday.

“We do not want to make any hasty decisions after one bad series. All these players are skilled; no one loses their ability overnight. A couple of poor series cannot define their potential,” Gillespie said.

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However, the statement did not sit well with Ahmed Shehzad. He criticised Gillespie, in a video on his social media accounts, over not dropping the players who have been failing consistently.

“To clarify, Gillespie, we have only lost one series since you arrived, but before you, we were losing badly,” Shehzad stated.

“You need to understand that every other coach will face similar situations; when they come in and lose their first couple of series, they’ll say, ‘It was just the first couple of series; we cannot exclude players because of that.‘

However, you must recognize that you are not the only coach Pakistan has hired. There were others before you who also faced losses with the same group of players. So, I don’t understand why you’re saying all this when changes are on the horizon.”

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Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has questioned the exclusion of middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam from the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Test series against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England, which marked the return of fast bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal and left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam, despite being a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, was left out of the squad. He alongside Mohammad Ali and injured Khurram Shahzad was a part of the Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests.

“Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali, who were part of the squad for the Bangladesh Tests, remain firmly in the selectors’ plans,” said PCB in a statement.

Ghulam’s exclusion turned heads and fans questioned the selection criteria for the national team.

Ahmed Shehzad, in a video on his social media accounts, did not mince his words in criticising selectors for ignoring Kamran Ghulam despite his strong showing in domestic cricket, including two centuries in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.

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“Kamran Ghulam has once again been ignored, and Mohammad Yousaf did not include him in Pakistan’s 15-member squad,” Shehzad remarked. “He [recently] scored 2 centuries in the Champions Cup. Despite that, he was dropped from the Test team.”

The opening batter did not stop there and raised the question if Kamran is being ignored because he plays in the same position as Babar Azam.

“Why you didn’t include his name in the 15-man squad? What crime did he commit? Is his only crime that he plays in the same position as Babar Azam?” he said.

Ahmed Shehzad also criticised the decision to drop pace bowler Mohammad Ali despite Shaheen Afridi and Aamir Jamal’s fitness issues.

“Pakistan cricket is going downhill day by day, and even those who love Pakistan cricket should brace themselves because this selection can’t be justified by Mohammad Yousuf,” he stated.

“Despite having two injured fast bowlers, they dropped Mohammad Ali. Even after scoring two centuries, Kamran Ghulam wasn’t given a chance. This can’t be justified,” he concluded.

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Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed offered a piece of advice to senior batters Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal ahead of the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to run from September 12 to 29.

Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, who made their respective debuts for Pakistan in 2009, were integral parts of the national team till 2016.

Their last appearance for the national team came in the three-match home T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2019.

Shehzad managed modest scores of four and 13 in the opening two T20Is of the home series respectively while Akmal even failed to score a run as he got out on back-to-back golden ducks.

The duo was subsequently dropped from the third T20I of the series and has not represented Pakistan since then.

Meanwhile, in a recent turn of events, Shehzad announced that he will boycott the upcoming Champions Cup.

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As a result, Dolphins’ mentor for the Champions Cup, Sarfaraz Ahmed advised the duo of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal to decide if they want to play cricket.

“They should definitely play cricket but if they really want to. Firstly, they need to decide whether they want to play or not,” said Sarfaraz.

“I think both of them are immensely talented players, there’s no doubt about their talent. They played outstanding cricket for Pakistan but I think it’s their own decision,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed then emphasized the need for experienced players in the team, asserting that the emerging players would make their place with time.

“There should be a combination of senior and junior players while playing cricket. We must remember that the senior player cemented his place with a lot of hard work,” Sarfaraz said.

“It has become a trend that ‘we need young players’. A youngster would cement his place by himself with performance,” he added.

READ: “Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad were more talented than us,” Azhar Ali

Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad heavily criticised the national men’s team after their disastrous performance, which led to a historic Test series defeat against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh outclassed Pakistan by six wickets in the second Test match to complete the clean sweep and win their first-ever series against the Green Shirts. The touring side had won the first Test thumpingly by 10 wickets.

Ahmed Shehzad took to his social media accounts and expressed his frustration over Pakistan’s performance, raising questions over the players’ abilities.

“Bangladesh has whitewashed Pakistan in their own home conditions. You don’t know how to play, you’re not capable enough to play [directed towards the Pakistani team],” Ahmed said.

The opening batter heaped high praise on Bangladesh’s cricket team over their performance despite coming off political turmoil in their country.

“All their practice sessions have also been conducted after they arrived in Pakistan. The condition their country was in at that moment of time was also not that good. They have come to Pakistan and have outplayed you without breaking a sweat,” he added.

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Ahmed Shehzad further lauded Bangladesh bowlers for bowling in the right areas, while criticising Pakistan team management for blaming the pitch.

“The manner in which they played their cricket, the way they dominated. Their batters have displayed the unwavering spirit one requires to succeed in Test cricket. Their bowlers have demonstrated the channels in which one should bowl, and all you were left is blaming the pitch,” he said.

Set to chase a modest 185, Bangladesh knocked the winning runs in the second session of the final day, just 25 minutes before the Tea Break.

Opening batter Zakir Hasan provided Bangladesh with a solid platform with a brisk 40-run knock from just 39 balls.

Following his departure, skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto anchored the run-chase with a sensible 38-run knock.

Later, an unbeaten 32-run partnership for the fifth wicket between veterans Shakib Al Hasan (22*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (21*) steered Bangladesh to a historic victory.

For Pakistan, Mir Hamza, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha and Khurram Shahzad could pick up a wicket apiece in the fourth innings.

READ: Shan Masood breaks silence over his alleged rift with Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad expressed his disappointment over the national men’s team’s performance in the ongoing two-match home Test series against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh pacers wreaked havoc in the first session of the recently concluded Day 4 of the second Test, taking four key wickets to leave Pakistan reeling at 117-6 at Lunch.

Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha offered some resilience with their gutsy 43 and 47 knocks before the home side was booked on a modest total of 172, setting Bangladesh a 185-run target to claim their first-ever clean sweep victory over Pakistan in Tests.

Reacting to Pakistan’s collapse in the second innings, Ahmed Shehzad, in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, slammed Pakistan for letting Bangladesh make a plethora of records in the ongoing series.

“Pakistan have made another unwanted record against Bangladesh. It seems like Bangladesh cricket team has come only to make records,” Shehzad stated.

“Pakistan bowlers did well to dismiss six Bangladesh batsmen for just 26 runs, but after that, you let a 150-run stand flourish. And this has happened for the first time in history that a team had taken 6 wickets inside 30 runs and then see a 150-run stand for the seventh wicket take the match away,” he added.

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Ahmed Shehzad lauded pacers Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza for their fiery opening spells against Bangladesh, which had reduced the touring side to 26/6.

“At a time it was looking that things are under your control. These youngsters (Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad) who had toiled hard in domestic cricket and hadn’t come from Mohenjo-Daro, had been waiting for their chances for a long time and today they got an opportunity because some senior bowler was missing and they both delivered for you. Khurram Shahzad bowled well today, hitting the weak areas of the Bangladesh batsmen, exposing their weak techniques and dismissing them,” said Shehzad.

READ: Former chief selector opens up on dealing with ‘stubborn’ Babar Azam