[EXCLUSIVE] "Pakistan Shaheens' Squad omission hurts a little": Mohammad Shahzad

[The Bald Eagle]

In our latest exclusive interview, emerging pace-bowling all-rounder M Shahzad opens up about his national team ambitions, PSL struggles, and Pakistan's all-rounder crisis. The Islamabad United talent discusses his shock at being omitted from the Shaheen Squad, Mike Hesson's game-changing advice, and his mission to dominate domestic cricket.

Key revelations include:

• White-ball admission: "My stats are not as good as in red ball"
  Mohammad Shahzad candidly acknowledges that his performance in white-ball cricket (limited overs formats like T20 and ODI) has not matched his statistics in red-ball cricket (test and first-class formats). This honest self-assessment reflects his awareness of different demands in each format and possibly indicates an area he wants to improve. While he is known for explosive batting in T20 and other white-ball games, his overall consistency and impact might be stronger in the longer format where he can build innings more patiently.
• PSL frustration: "I faced only 18 balls in 6 matches"
  Shahzad expresses clear frustration about his playing opportunities in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he got limited time with only 18 balls faced across 6 matches. This highlights his concern about restricted chances to showcase his skills and contribute significantly in the high-profile franchise tournament, which can affect confidence and form.
• Hesson's blueprint: "Work on both things equally"
  The mention of Hesson (likely referring to a coach like Mike Hesson) points to a strategic approach to becoming a complete all-rounder by balancing both batting and bowling skills equally. Shahzad resonates with this advice, suggesting he is focusing on developing multifaceted skills rather than being specialized in only batting or bowling, which could enhance his value to the team.
• Shaheen Squad snub: "It hurts a little"
  Mohammad Shahzad feels disappointed ("it hurts a little") after being omitted from the Shaheen Squad, despite strong domestic performances. This reflects the emotional impact of selection decisions and the competitive nature of cricket squads, especially when the player believes his recent form merited inclusion.
• Mindset mantra: "Disappointment is a curse"
  Shahzad shares a personal philosophy on dealing with setbacks, considering disappointment as a "curse." This suggests he adopts a positive mindset, aiming to overcome obstacles constructively rather than letting frustration consume him, an important attitude for professional athletes facing ups and downs.
• Future focus: "Top the National T20"
  Looking ahead, Shahzad sets a clear target to perform at the top level in the National T20 tournament. This focus emphasizes his commitment to proving himself in the premier domestic T20 competition, which can boost his career prospects and national selection chances.

Watch the full interview with Saj below:

 

[BouncerGuy]

This was a total injustice not to include this guy in the Shaheens team. He outperformed everyone in the recent QEA trophy but PCB still sent some oldies instead of youngsters like him..

 

[Ball Blazer]

He seems more grounded and self-aware than many others trying to break into the national team.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Likely should have been in the Shaheen squad but what IU did with him and even Saad Masood at the PSL was egregious. I always hate it when they select some of the better prospects and they end up being shoved behind all their depth of allrounders and hardly get any exposure. That lack of exposure ultimately hurts their stocks and it ends up in a non Shaheen selection.

Hope we see him land in a different franchise next season. Big season coming up for Shahzad. He had a big domestic season but having consecutive great seasons and proving last season wasn't a fluke will be big. I hope he can get a little bit better with his bowling and develop into more of a batting allrounder.