Former Cricketer Ahmed Shehzad Slams Fakhar Zaman’s T20 Record
Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has publicly criticised opening batter Fakhar Zaman, questioning his decade-long presence in Pakistan’s T20 squad despite what he described as “inconsistent” performances.
Speaking on a Geo News podcast, Shehzad said, “It’s been 10 years for Fakhar — when will he finally perform in T20 cricket?” The former opener added that while Fakhar’s One Day International (ODI) record includes memorable innings, such as his iconic century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, his performances in the shortest format have failed to show the same consistency.
Lack of Consistency in T20 Cricket
Shehzad backed his criticism with statistics, noting that Fakhar’s strike rate hovers around 127 and his average remains near 20, figures he believes are below the standard expected of an international opener.
“He neither cements his place as an opener nor performs significantly in the middle order,” Shehzad argued. “Yet, the narrative remains that when Fakhar clicks, he can win you the match. The question is — when will that actually happen?”
Fakhar Zaman, 34, has represented Pakistan in more than 80 T20 internationals since his debut in 2017. While known for his aggressive batting style, critics say his form has been inconsistent, especially in high-pressure situations. However, his supporters often point to his match-winning knocks and ability to dominate bowlers on his day.
Shehzad Questions Selection Criteria
In the same discussion, Shehzad turned his attention to Pakistan’s cricketing system, alleging that team selections often depend more on personal preferences and franchise influence than on merit.
“Selections are sometimes made based on which Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise a player belongs to and how much influence that team has on the PCB,” he claimed. “That’s why several talented players are left behind.”
This is not the first time Ahmed Shehzad has criticised Pakistan’s cricket establishment. Over the past few years, he has repeatedly voiced frustration about what he calls a “politicised” cricket culture, where performance metrics are secondary to relationships and reputation.
“Stats Should Be Scrutinised for Everyone”
Shehzad also compared the handling of player statistics in local media, arguing that favorable coverage often protects top players from criticism.
“Positive stats about Babar Azam were regularly highlighted,” he said, “but when someone brought up his negative numbers, people were shocked. The same thing happens with Fakhar. If you question his stats, it’s treated as if you’ve committed a crime.”
His comments appear to reflect a broader debate within Pakistan’s cricket community about transparency, meritocracy, and accountability. Many former players, including Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, have also called for reforms in how the team is managed and how performance is assessed.
Broader Context: Pakistan’s T20 Challenges
Pakistan’s T20 side has faced inconsistency in recent years, with fluctuating results in bilateral series and ICC tournaments. Despite a final appearance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, critics argue the team has struggled to maintain balance between experienced players and emerging talent.
Fakhar Zaman’s continued inclusion has sparked debate over form versus experience — a recurring dilemma for the selectors. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, performance pressure on senior players like Fakhar is expected to intensify.
Shehzad’s Own Perspective and Career
Ahmed Shehzad, once regarded as one of Pakistan’s most promising openers, played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is before being sidelined from the national team. In recent years, he has transitioned into commentary and digital media appearances, often using these platforms to discuss selection issues and player performance.
While some fans see his criticism as justified, others view it as a reflection of personal frustration over his own exclusion from the team. Nevertheless, Shehzad continues to demand higher standards of professionalism and fairness within Pakistan cricket.
Call for Merit-Based Reforms
In conclusion, Shehzad’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions within Pakistan cricket — between loyalty, merit, and public perception. His call for greater accountability resonates with many fans who believe that performance, not popularity, should guide selection decisions.
Whether or not his critique influences upcoming squad decisions remains uncertain, but it has once again ignited a national debate over transparency and meritocracy in Pakistan’s cricket system.
