Hard-hitting Afghanistan wicket-keeper batsman, who has been out of international action for a while, is all set to return in national colors after Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) lifted the ban imposed on him on Wednesday.
Earlier, the board imposed the ban on the flamboyant opening batsman after he was found breaching code of conduct for touring abroad to feature in the tournament without their consent.
Shahzad was also pulled out of the World Cup last year in England, mid-way, after he suffered an injury to the knee. However, Shahzad claimed that he was sent back home unjustly as he was fit enough to play the matches in the multilateral event.
ACB on Wednesday took to its social media handle to break the news. “ACB Discipline Committee lifts playing ban on Wicket-Keeper Batman @MShahzad077 after Chairman @Farhan_YusEfzai accepted his (MS) mercy appeal but, his contract ban will continue till the imposed date August 2020. (sic),” the board posted.
ACB Discipline Committee lifts playing ban on Wicket-Keeper Batman @MShahzad077 after Chairman @Farhan_YusEfzai accepted his (MS) mercy appeal but, his contract ban will continue till the imposed date August 2020. pic.twitter.com/vrHxxvhRO9
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 26, 2020
“As per ACB’s policies, any player traveling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively,” ACB stated in a press release earlier last year in August.
“Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month. The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be published soon,” concluded ACB’s statement.
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Later, the 33-year-old, who gained prominence with his swashbuckling approach at the T20 World Cup in 2016, retaliated by saying that he did not wish to represent Afghanistan anymore.
“I don’t see myself playing anymore. It’s a dream to play in the World Cup. I was removed from the 2015 World Cup [he wasn’t selected for fitness reasons] and now this one as well. I am going to consult with friends and family. My heart isn’t in cricket anymore,” Shahzad commented, according to India Today.
Afghanistan plays Ireland next for a three-match T20I series at their adopted home-ground in Greater Noida, starting March 6. However, Shahzad is not included in the squad.
