Former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad became visibly emotional while speaking about his prolonged absence from competitive cricket, admitting that missing out this time hurt more than before \u2014 mainly because of his son. Speaking during the Geo News programme ‘Harna Mana Hai’, where he appears as a regular panellist, Shahzad said he still feels a deep desire to return to competitive cricket. \u201cYes, of course, I get emotional. If I\u2019m being honest, I feel very sad. I want to play,\u201d he said. \u201cMy batchmates are all playing. I feel happy for them, but I do wonder about myself \u2014 what were the reasons, why did this happen?\u201d Shahzad, who was part of Quetta Gladiators\u2019 title-winning side in the PSL, said the days following every auction are particularly difficult for him. \u201cI have 18 years in this field. For all those things to suddenly go away, I remember it a lot. It makes me want to cry. The first two or three days are very difficult, and it happens every time,\u201d he added. He also expressed disappointment that, despite remaining part of Pakistan\u2019s cricket system for nearly two decades, no one had formally reached out to him. \u201cWhy is it that no one has the courtesy to come and talk to me and ask, \u2018What happened, Ahmad Bhai? Let\u2019s sort it out and do something for Pakistan?\u2019\u201d he said. The former opener revealed that there was confusion among some franchise officials about his status. \u201cOne team even thought I was banned. Some think Ahmad has retired happily. There is no clarity provided to them by the Pakistan Cricket Board,\u201d Shahzad said. Taking a lighter turn, he argued that his presence in the league would still attract attention. \u201cIf my name were in the PSL, wouldn\u2019t the profile of the league go up? People would watch \u2014 some out of love, some out of hate, some just for fun,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cI know how to speak a bit. I\u2019m a handsome man, I look good in the jersey.\u201d However, Shahzad stressed that he would not personally approach officials to revive his career. \u201cA player\u2019s biggest weapon is his respect and his self-esteem. I cannot call someone and say, \u2018Let\u2019s sort it out,\u2019\u201d he said. Speaking about his son, he said: \u201cThis time, what hurts most is that he is nine. And he wanted me to play,\u201d pausing briefly. \u201cHe sleeps with me. He says, \u2018Baba, I remember you used to play. But now I will remember you better.\u2019 This is the one thing that touched my heart,\u201d he added. Despite the disappointment, Shehzad said he stood by his choices. \u201cOtherwise, I am happy with my decisions. I lived by my morals,\u201d he said, as the studio audience applauded his remarks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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