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Cold War Continues As Ahmed Shehzad Excludes Babar From His All-Time Pakistan XI

Babar excluded by Ahmed Shehzad from his all-time PAK XI [AP] Babar excluded by Ahmed Shehzad from his all-time PAK XI [AP]

In a recent appearance on Geo News' show "Hasna Mana Hai," former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad revealed his all-time Pakistan XI, notably excluding current players.

The 32-year-old batter, who has openly criticized Babar Azam and other current team members, offered detailed reasons for his selections.

Ahmed Shehzad's All-Time Pakistan XI

Ahmed Shehzad's team features legendary players from Pakistan's cricket history. He named the duo of Saeed Anwar and Majid Khan as the openers.

 "Saeed Anwar is everyone's favorite who used to play everywhere across the ground. I have watched many of Majid Khan’s videos and he looks a stylish batter. He has many records while playing in his era."

For the middle order, Shehzad picked Zaheer Abbas, Younis Khan, and Javed Miandad.

 "He [Zaheer Abbas] was pleasing to the eye, the cover drive was great and used to dominate the bowlers. Younis Khan was a hard-working player with very good stats. Having him on any side is icing on the cake. I know I have placed him below but how can I miss Javed Miandad? Growing up watching him play, I had to adjust to him somewhere in my team."

Shehzad included Shahid Afridi in his XI for his versatile skills and Moin Khan will do the duties of the wicketkeeper.

"Shahid Afridi is the batter who can hit sixes and bowl spin. It was a tough call but for the wicketkeeper spot, Moin Khan used to take neat takes with the ball going smoothly in his gloves."

For the bowling attack, Shehzad picked Saqlain Mushtaq, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Zahid, and Shoaib Akhtar.

"Saqlain has won us matches and has great stats. It’s impossible if someone is playing in their childhood and is not following Wasim Akram and his achievements. Zahid played very little cricket and I remember once Brian Lara said, he is the fastest I have ever played."

This exclusion of current players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and others reflects Shehzad's ongoing grievances with the current team management and players.

Previously, Shehzad blamed Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan's shocking exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 and questioned Babar's captaincy skills.