England batsman Kevin Pietersen has voiced his support for his ‘Quetta Gladiators’ teammate Ahmed Shehzad on social media as the Pakistani opener has been left out of the 35-man list for the training camp before the England tour in July.
Pakistan has dropped opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad and batsman Umar Akmal on disciplinary grounds on Monday for the series against England.
About the duo’s exclusion, the newly-appointed selection committee head, Inzamam-ul-Haq said, “Shehzad and Umar don’t have enough performances and lack discipline,” said Inzamam. “Wherever there will be a disciplinary problem, we will take a step. And you should expect this selection committee to be a little stern on discipline,”
Kevin Pietersen took to his official account Twitter and tweeted to show his support for the talented right-hander,
Ahmed Shehzad was clearly humbled by the gesture as he replied to Pietersen,
New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott, another one of Shehzad’s Quetta teammate, was also ‘surprised’ at his exclusion as he tweeted,
While, Shehzad didn’t comment anything about the selection committee’s decision as he enquired about Elliott’s absence from the ongoing Indian Premier League 2016.
However, Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi were the big three that were left out of Pakistan's probable squad of 35 members.
"Since we are playing only four Twenty20 matches this year we want to give new players a chance, and that will also allow Afridi to rest and perform in domestic matches," Inzamam ul Haq, Pakistan's chief selectors said at a news conference in Lahore. As for Shehzad and Umar, he said, "the selection committee will not compromise on discipline".
Pakistan will start their England tour with the first Test scheduled on July 16, which will be followed by three more Tests, five ODIs and T20.
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