☰

Ahmed Shehzad criticises Mohammad Haris, justifies exclusion from T20I squad

The right-handed batter was part of Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad

By Web Desk

May 04, 2024

Ahmed Shehzad (L) believes that Mohammad Haris' exclusion from Pakistan's T20I squad was justifiable. — AFP/ICC

Pakistani batter Ahmed Shehzad criticised wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris’ recent performances as he went on to justify his exclusion from the T20I squad that will travel to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan announced an 18-man squad that will play three and four T20Is against Ireland and England respectively before the commencement of the World Cup.

Haris announced himself to the world in the T20 World Cup 2022 when he performed against South Africa and brought back the much-needed energy in the Pakistani team. He also starred against New Zealand in the semi-final and steered his side to the final.

However, he has been sidelined since last year as his last match for Pakistan was in April 2023 against New Zealand.

Shehzad justified Haris’ exclusion from the T20I squad saying he hasn’t performed enough in recent times which is why he wasn’t picked by the selectors.

"I think Mohammad Haris doesn't have any performances so he didn't make the cut [for Ireland T20Is]. He made a 50 in PSL and then he was brought in [in the Pakistan Team]. People campaign for him but he didn't do anything worthy - scored 23 and 25 in World Cup. People struggle for eight, ten years but still don't get an opportunity," Shehzad said while talking to Geo News.

He then added that players who rely on social media campaigns to get back in the squad would suffer from its consequences.

"People say let him play four-day cricket. None of the departments picked up and people are still campaigning for him. Believe me, this will backfire on him. All these campaigns against all these players will go against them," he further added.

Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20Is

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan