Pakistan Batter Withdraws From Domestic Tournament, Cites PCB's 'Favoritism' And 'False Promises'

"With a heavy heart, I've decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup," Ahmad Shahzad wrote on X.

Ahmad Shahzad also expressed his dissatisfaction with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's comments following Pakistan's defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test.

Source : @iamAhmadshahzad / X

Pakistan's veteran batter Ahmad Shahzad has sharply criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of "injustice and false promises." The 32-year-old announced his withdrawal from the Domestic Cricket Championships Cup, citing dissatisfaction with PCB's new mentorship scheme, which he described as a waste of resources amid poverty in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has enlisted five legendary cricketers—Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq—to mentor both domestic and international players in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Also on ABP Live | IPL 2025 Auction: R Ashwin Comments On Rohit Sharma's Potential Departure From Mumbai Indians

"With a heavy heart, I've decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup," Ahmad Shahzad wrote on X.

"The PCB's favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players are unacceptable. In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an All-time Low."

With a heavy heart, I've decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup. The PCB's favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players are unacceptable. In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB…

— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) August 30, 2024

Shahzad also expressed his dissatisfaction with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's comments following Pakistan's defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test, which contributed to his decision to withdraw from the domestic tournament.

"It's even more disrespectful that the PCB claims they don't have 'instruments for surgery' which is a huge disrespect for domestic players. As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup."