Ahmed Shehzad Returns in Green Jersey After a Long Time, Is he Making a Comeback?
According to a particular section of the media, there are indications that Pakistan’s opening batsman, Ahmed Shehzad, is poised for a return to the Pakistan T20I squad.
As per the details, Ahmed Shehzad took part in a five-day training camp in preparation for the upcoming New Zealand T20I series, alongside several other players. This training camp was supervised by Yasir Arafat, the High-Performance Coach of the Pakistan cricket team.
Players part of the New Zealand T20Is training camp in action in the scenario match at Gaddafi Stadium 🏏#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/OxTgpavZ8l
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 31, 2023
Rumors had been circulating, affirming his comeback to Pakistan cricket and inclusion in the previously announced T20I squad.
Great to see Ahmad Shahzad sharing his experience with the youngsters in the Pakistan camp ❤️ @iamAhmadshahzad pic.twitter.com/EsIyeXr58a
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 1, 2024
The social media sphere was abuzz with a campaign advocating Ahmed Shehzad’s return to the Pakistan Cricket Team. A video circulated depicting Ahmed Shehzad in a Pakistan training kit, kissing the shirt as a symbolic gesture before joining the training camp.
The smile on his face after receiving National Jersey 🥹🤌🏻 >>>>>>>
Ahmed Shehzad kissing the Pakistan jersey before wearing it after long time.🇵🇰#AhmadShahzad pic.twitter.com/QC2SHEvM5g
— ayenoor•_•TeamAhmad ❤️🩹🫀 (@lalakha62506550) December 30, 2023
Despite not being picked by any team in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft for season 9, Ahmed Shehzad decided to withdraw from PSL after going unselected in the player drafting process.
Also Read: Abrar Ahmed Likely To Return in the Third Test in Sydney
Expressing his disappointment on social media, he stated, “Once again, the PSL draft has come and gone, and I didn’t get selected. I don’t understand why!”
A heartfelt goodbye! pic.twitter.com/7NdjpCXjeR
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) December 15, 2023
Amidst hype and public relations efforts, fueled by his strong domestic performance, Shehzad was not chosen for the Pakistan squad. The 32-year-old, renowned for being the first Pakistani batter to score a T20I hundred in the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 against Bangladesh, played his last T20I for Pakistan in 2019 and has not featured for the national team since then.
Despite the social media campaign, it appears highly improbable that Ahmed will make a comeback to the national side, given the intense competition at the top of the batting order.
