Shahid Afridi: “I believe Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad should have been part of at least one franchise team”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi feels it was disrespectful for all the Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams to ignore veteran batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal.
Afridi noted that both players remain active and have shown they can still offer value.
Considering two new teams – Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz – were added to the 2026 PSL, he said it was particularly disappointing that neither player was given an opportunity.
“In my view, I believe that we tend to ignore certain players completely. I had hoped that after two new teams came in, some of our experienced cricketers would be considered. I think it is necessary to mention them here – I have done so before, and I will do so again – whether it is Umar Akmal or Ahmed Shehzad,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Geo Super.
“I feel they are still playing regularly; they are visible in practice sessions, in training, and in the gym. I do not think they should be overlooked to this extent. They deserve respect. Both have delivered outstanding performances in the past. They are quality players and fine cricketers. I believe they should not be ignored so heavily and should be given opportunities – they should have been given chances.
“If I were associated with any team, I would certainly include these two players. The key question is how to manage them. Senior players often have attitude-related issues. Not every child in a household is the same; you deal with each one differently. Similarly, players must be handled according to their temperament.
“I believe Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad should have been part of at least one franchise team.”
Pakistan will now take on the West Indies in a two-Test series in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6.
Following this, they will head to England to play three Tests from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Pakistan Squad for England Test series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah