“Prioritization of connections over genuine talent” - Pakistan batter makes shocking claim ahead of PSL 2025

Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has made it clear that he is not interested in participating in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025). The 33-year-old, who retired from the league in 2023, has accused the tournament of prioritizing connections over talent.

Shehzad claimed that decision-makers want him to participate in the PSL 2025 to revive the 'declining' league. However, the right-handed batter emphasized that he won't feature in Pakistan's flagship T20 tournament unless merit is given utmost importance.

Taking to the microblogging platform X, Shehzad wrote on his official handle:

"My decision to leave the PSL stems from the absence of merit and the prioritization of connections over genuine talent. I did not register for PSL 10 and publicly parted ways with the league last year."

"They want me to be a part of a league that is declining every year, seeking players who can revive it, but I am not interested without the assurance of merit in this league. I stand for those who have been overlooked and will continue to fight for justice in our sport. Insha’Allah, I will not relent and will stay firm until the very end," he added.

While Shehzad claimed that he hadn't registered for PSL 2025, his name was included in the gold category among local players for the draft. He has been absent from the league since 2020. In international cricket, his most recent appearance for the Men in Green came during a home T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2017.

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"Are you happy now with the hype?" - Ahmed Shehzad on his name featuring in PSL 2025 draft

Ahmed Shehzad took a dig at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for including his name in the PSL 10 draft despite him not registering it. He reckoned that the board wanted to use his name to create hype.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Shehzad said:

"PSL 10 is going to happen and the interesting thing about it is that I am also playing. From the last three-four days it seems like I am part of PSL. Are you happy now with the hype? Why don't you talk about those players for whom you have kept everything side in the last four-five years?" (0:00)

The draft for the upcoming 10th season of the PSL will be held on Monday, January 13, in Lahore.