Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has shed light on an unusual challenge he faced during his cricketing career: being perceived as “good-looking.” In a candid conversation on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, Shehzad revealed that his appearance and popularity often became sources of jealousy and criticism within the cricketing community.
The Struggles of Perception
Shehzad explained how his well-groomed appearance, confidence, and fan following sometimes led to resentment from teammates and senior players. He remarked:
“In our field, if you look good, know how to dress, and speak well, some people start to resent you.”
The 33-year-old highlighted how this jealousy affected his experience with the national team.
“I’ve been a target within the Pakistani team for this. If your fan following grows and people appreciate you, it’s hard for some senior players to accept.”
A Journey of Personal Growth
Coming from a humble background in Anarkali, Lahore, Shehzad emphasized the effort he put into improving his personality and appearance as his career progressed. While he took pride in representing Pakistan and grooming himself, he acknowledged the scrutiny and challenges that came with it.
“We come from small areas. I lived in Anarkali, Lahore, and when I gained recognition, I worked on grooming myself and improving my personality. But this has also caused significant problems within Pakistan,” he shared.
Career Highlights and Setbacks
Shehzad last played for Pakistan in 2017 (ODIs) and 2019 (T20Is). Despite his talent, his career faced setbacks, including not being picked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) drafts last year, which he described as a “deliberate effort” to sideline him.
Earlier this year, Shehzad criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for including him in the PSL 10 draft despite his retirement from the league in 2023.
Looking Back
Ahmed Shehzad’s story highlights the challenges of navigating success, popularity, and team dynamics in a highly competitive environment. His journey serves as a reminder of the personal struggles that often accompany fame in professional sports.
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