[Watch] ‘My Son Is 9’ – Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad breaks down on air after PSL 2026 Snub

Ahmed Shehzad has often been overtly critical of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the state of the sport in the country. The discarded batter hasn’t played for the national team since October 2019.

Shehzad last played first-class and List A cricket in 2024. Earlier, he even quit the Pakistan Super League (PSL), complaining of a lack of merit-based selection. He wasn’t a part of the recently-concluded PSL 2026 auction.

“Ahmed Shehzad, this year you are not part of the PSL. Earlier, you have been part of a PSL-winning team. But in recent editions, you have been missing. Do you feel you are missing out?” the anchor asked Shehzad.

The 34-year-old said that while he is happy to see his contemporaries playing in the league, the fact that he has been sidelined from competitive cricket for years now makes him cry.

“Yes, it feels emotional at times. My batchmates are playing, and it feels really good to see them in action. I am that kind of a person. But of course, I also wonder what the reasons were. Why did this happen? If things had not gone this way… everything started in front of my eyes. I’ve spent 18 years in this field, and suddenly seeing it all slip away – I remember it all, and it makes me cry.

Shehzad went on to say that his nine-year-old son wanted to see him playing in Pakistan’s premier franchise T20 competition.

“The pain lasts two or three days. Your emotions go through a rollercoaster. At night, when I’m trying to sleep… what hurts me the most is that my son is nine, and he wanted me to play. He sleeps beside me, and now he’s growing up. He says, ‘Baba, I remember you used to play, but will I be able to remember you properly?'” Shehzad mentioned.

The Lahore-born played 13 Tests, 82 ODIs, and 59 T20Is during his career. He averaged 40.92, 32.56, and 25.81 in the three formats, respectively.

The first-ever player auction in PSL was held on Wednesday, February 11. The tournament has expanded ahead of the upcoming season, with Hyderabad and Sialkot being the new entrants, joining the six pre-existing teams. PSL 2026 gets underway in the last week of March.