Former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad gestures as he speaks throughout Geo Information programme ‘Harna Mana Hai’, February 11, 2026. — Screengrab through YouTube/Geo Information
Former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad turned visibly emotional whereas talking about his extended absence from aggressive cricket, admitting that lacking out this time damage greater than earlier than — primarily due to his son.
“Yes, of course, I get emotional. If I’m being honest, I feel very sad. I want to play,” he stated. “My batchmates are all playing. I feel happy for them, but I do wonder about myself — what were the reasons, why did this happen?”
Shahzad, who was a part of Quetta Gladiators’ title-winning facet within the PSL, stated the times following each public sale are significantly tough for him.
“I have 18 years in this field. For all those things to suddenly go away, I remember it a lot. It makes me want to cry. The first two or three days are very difficult, and it happens every time,” he added.
He additionally expressed disappointment that, regardless of remaining a part of Pakistan’s cricket system for practically 20 years, nobody had formally reached out to him.
“Why is it that no one has the courtesy to come and talk to me and ask, ‘What happened, Ahmad Bhai? Let’s sort it out and do something for Pakistan?’” he stated.
The previous opener revealed that there was confusion amongst some franchise officers about his standing.
“One team even thought I was banned. Some think Ahmad has retired happily. There is no clarity provided to them by the Pakistan Cricket Board,” Shahzad stated.
Taking a lighter flip, he argued that his presence within the league would nonetheless entice consideration.
“If my name were in the PSL, wouldn’t the profile of the league go up? People would watch — some out of love, some out of hate, some just for fun,” he stated, including, “I know how to speak a bit. I’m a handsome man, I look good in the jersey.”
Nonetheless, Shahzad pressured that he wouldn’t personally method officers to revive his profession.
“A player’s biggest weapon is his respect and his self-esteem. I cannot call someone and say, ‘Let’s sort it out,’” he stated.
Talking about his son, he stated: “This time, what hurts most is that he is nine. And he wanted me to play,” pausing briefly.
“He sleeps with me. He says, ‘Baba, I remember you used to play. But now I will remember you better.’ This is the one thing that touched my heart,” he added.
Regardless of the frustration, Shehzad stated he stood by his selections.
“Otherwise, I am happy with my decisions. I lived by my morals,” he stated, because the studio viewers applauded his remarks.
