Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, has opened up about the unexpected consequences of being perceived as "good-looking" in the world of cricket, admitting that his appearance has sometimes worked against him.
In a candid conversation on actor and host Ahmed Ali Butt's podcast, Shehzad discussed how being physically attractive has led to jealousy and resentment within his own team and among some senior cricketers.
Shehzad shared that the cricketing environment often fosters jealousy towards players who are not only skilled but also well-presented.
He remarked, "Being good-looking has caused me a lot of problems. In our field, if you look good, know how to dress, and speak well, some people start to resent you," he said.
The 33-year-old cricketer went on to reveal that he had faced criticism from certain senior players in the national team, who were envious of his appearance and popularity.
Reflecting on his experience, Shehzad added, "I’ve been a target within the Pakistani team for this. I’m not defending myself here, but there are others who have also faced this. If your fan following grows and people appreciate you, it's hard for some senior players to accept."
Shehzad, who hails from a modest background in Anarkali, Lahore, also spoke about the challenges of having his identity and success constantly scrutinised. He acknowledged that while he took pride in representing Pakistan and enhancing his personal image, it came with its own set of struggles.
"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 said.
Ahmed last featured in a One-Day International for Pakistan in October 2017, while his last T20 International appearance came in October 2019.
Last year, he parted ways with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after not being picked by any of the six franchises during the player drafts. He described this as a "deliberate effort" to keep him out of the T20 showpiece.
This year, he again made headlines when he criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for listing his name in the PSL 10 Draft, despite his retirement from the league in 2023.
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