'Dhoka Cup', Pakistan cricketer criticises Champions One-Day Cup and England Test selection

Shehzad blasts the "Dhoka Cup" and criticises the England Test squad selection for ignoring Kamran Ghulam.

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan's chief selector Mohammad Yousuf for overlooking Kamran Ghulam in the national squad for the upcoming first Test against England, set to take place in Multan from October 7-11.

Shehzad expressed his frustration on his YouTube channel, accusing Yousuf of disregarding Kamran's impressive performances, including two centuries in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.

He also criticised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his comments about a "surgery" in Pakistan cricket following the team's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Labeling the Champions One-Day Cup as the "Dhoka Cup" (Fraud Cup), he questioned the credibility of the tournament and the selection process for the national squad.

"Kamran Ghulam has once again been ignored, and Mohammad Yousaf did not include him in Pakistan’s 15-member squad. Now let's look back—this is the same team that just returned after losing the World Cup without even qualifying, the same team that lost to the USA, the same team that lost two Tests against Bangladesh, and for the first time in history, got whitewashed," Shehzad said.

"After all these things, it was said that a "surgery" would take place, but it didn't. After all this, they said, "We don't have the tools." Then, after everything, they dropped another bombshell in the name of the "Dhoka Cup [Champions Cup]" and said the performers from this "Dhoka Cup" would be included. Just wait and see—they'll bring in five players and line them up behind each other. You’ll see how this AI system work," he added.

The opening batter also criticized Mohammad Yousuf's decision to include Aamer Jamal and Shaheen Afridi in the squad despite their injuries and lack of full fitness, while excluding Mohammad Ali, Kamran Ghulam and Sahibzada Farhan from the squad despite his exceptional performance in the domestic circuit.

"You will see how Pakistan's team's fate changes. We bring in five mentors and pay them a monthly salary of 5 million, and now you'll see what happens with Pakistan in this cup. Believe me, there is no hope left. In fact, Kamran Ghulam was in the team due to his performance, and against Bangladesh, he returned and scored 2 centuries in this 'Deception Cup' [Champions Cup]. Despite that, he was dropped from the Test team. Oh wow, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf, you're making fantastic selections. No one understands your thinking at all. Khurram Shehzad is injured, and in this squad, Aamer Jamal is not fully fit, Shaheen Afridi is not fully fit, yet you didn't include Mohammad Ali in the team. Another thing is Kamran Ghulam and Sahibzada Farhan—whose collar will you grab to explain why you didn't include his name in the 15-man squad? What crime did he commit? Is his only crime that he plays in the same position as Babar Azam?" he said.

The 32-year-old expressed his frustration with Mohammad Yousuf's selection choices, questioning the legitimacy of his authority to ingore the younger generation.

"Who are you people, have you played so much cricket that you're inviting curses from the younger generation? Mohammad Yousuf, you've played so much cricket, your name is so well-known, but what kind of selection have you made that makes no sense at all? What are you expecting from this team? What changes have been made in this team? Are you learning from your mistakes or doing nothing at all?" he said.

"All the blame has been put on those two selectors, Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq, who have been sidelined, but you're still here. Under your watch, we lost the World Cup, lost to the USA, Ireland, and got whitewashed by Bangladesh, yet no one removed you, and you were given another chance. Even after that, you're still making such decisions. Why are you not ready to include new players? What's the reason behind this? Who will give them their rightful chance?" he added.

Concluding his fiery remarks, Shehzad urged domestic players to abandon their hopes of making the national team and change their profession, citing an unfair selection process.

"My simple message is this: for the domestic players in this country who are waiting for their turn, it's better for you to change your profession now. Kill the dreams you have because, in this country, you won’t get justice. The people running cricket here are determined to break it, and for them, only their own connections matter," he said.

He also mocked the PCB's "connection camp," calling it a "Refugee Camp" and accused officials of failing to address the real issues within Pakistan cricket.

"You’re told that Pakistan cricket will be fixed by holding a "connection camp" [Refugee Camp], cameras will be set up, and everything will be sorted, that Pakistan's destiny will change—it's all lies. Nothing like that is being seen. Pakistan cricket is going downhill day by day, and even those who love Pakistan cricket should brace themselves because this selection can't be justified by Mohammad Yousuf. Despite having two injured fast bowlers, they dropped Mohammad Ali. Even after scoring two centuries, Kamran Ghulam wasn't given a chance. This can't be justified," he said.

"By doing a "connection camp" and turning on the cameras, you're mocking the country and claiming there's grouping in the team, that there's no unity. But who have you removed? You haven't removed anyone, you're not doing anything. People come and say there’s no unity in the team, but what are you doing about it?" he concluded.