Pakistani actor Bilal Qureshi has appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to offer cricketer Ahmed Shehzad another opportunity to prove himself, following an emotional video that has gone viral on social media.
The clip shows the former national team opener expressing disappointment over not being selected in the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Shehzad, who has not officially announced his retirement from cricket, lamented that he has been overlooked for the past three seasons despite still being available to play.
It is worth noting that both Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal have yet to retire from professional cricket. However, they have repeatedly claimed that they are not being provided adequate opportunities by the board, including selections in the PSL.
Sharing the viral clip on Instagram, Bilal Qureshi wrote in the caption: “I request the PCB to give Ahmed Shehzad one opportunity so that he can prove to his 9-year-old son and to the entire nation that he can still play.”
In the video, TV host Tabish Hashmi asked Shehzad how he felt about being out of the PSL for the last three years despite previously being part of a championship-winning team.
Responding emotionally, Shehzad said he feels deeply saddened for himself. “I feel happy seeing my fellow players succeed, but I become upset for myself,” he said, breaking down during the interview.
Holding back tears, he added that his greatest pain is that his 9-year-old son now wants to see him play. “My son sleeps beside me and tries to comfort me by saying, ‘Dad, I remember you used to play. Now I will be able to remember you properly,’” Shehzad shared.
The emotional moment prompted Tabish Hashmi to leave his seat and embrace the cricketer in support.
“I am otherwise happy,” Shehzad concluded, “but this is something that has truly hurt my heart and causes me great pain.”
