Ahmed Shehzad opts for domestic cricket over T10 league

Pakistan’s right-handed opener Ahmed Shehzad refused a contract with Abu Dhabi T10 League to continue his journey with Lahore Whites in the ongoing National T20 Cup, the player confirmed on X, formerly Twitter.

Shehzad is the top scorer in the ongoing National T20 Cup. The right-handed batter amassed 213 runs in just three innings with a staggering 106.50 average and helped Lahore Whites to qualify for the Super Eight round.

The right-handed batter confirmed that he wants to finish his journey with the domestic side as he believes in putting Pakistan above everything.

“I have respectfully refused a contract to play in the ongoing season of Abu Dhabi T10 League as I believe I have some unfinished business with my team Lahore Whites in National T20 Cup, and I want to carry on playing domestic cricket in Pakistan. I have always believed in putting Pakistan first, and I will continue to strive towards earning a place in the national team once again,” Shehzad posted on X.

“Really appreciate @TheRealPCB for granting me NOC for @T10League, but I want to continue respecting our domestic cricket and set an example for youngsters watching me and others play in this tournament.”

Shehzad, 32, played his last international match for Pakistan in October 2019 against Sri Lanka in a T20I and has not been part of the squad since then.

However, years after being out of the team and playing domestic cricket, things are finally changing for the talented right-handed batter as his return to the national team may happen soon.

Earlier, Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood and Team Director Mohammad Hafeez confirmed that anyone who is performing in domestic cricket will be considered for the national team.

Shehzad also expressed his desire to play for Pakistan as he believes that there is nothing better than that.

“Obviously, all of these sacrifices are to play for Pakistan. All the money and fame aside, there is nothing better than representing Pakistan. Once you have realised what it means to play for your country, then you fight for it till death and that is what I plan," Shehzad said in an interview with a local journalist.

"I don’t expect anything from anyone except from Allah. I always try to change the situation with my performances. Ever since I have returned from my injury, you can go and see my stats in every format, I am doing well. It is difficult to perform consistently in every tournament because you are not a machine, failure will come somewhere. So I am expecting that Allah will reward me for my performances," said the batter.