Chris Gayle hits out at PCB over Ahmed Shehzad's exclusion from Bangladesh tour

Gayle criticises PCB's decision to exclude Shehzad from Bangladesh tour, says Pakistan should not waste such a talent

West Indies batting legend Chris Gayle lamented over the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to drop Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad for the country's upcoming Bangladesh tour.

Taking to social networking site Twitter, Gayle said Pakistan should not waste a talent like Ahmed Shehzad.

Heard u been drop @iamAhmadshahzad ...I know you're not a bad boy to be drop for discipline... Come on Pakistan, don't waste this talent.

— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) April 4, 2015

Shehzad was dropped from the ODI and Test squads for the tour of Bangladesh on head coach Waqar Younis’ request owing to 'disciplinary' problems. Gayle clearly felt otherwise, saying he was sure that Shehzad was not dropped since he wasn't a 'bad' boy.

Waqar was reportedly against the inclusion of Shehzad in the team and mentioned in his report that the player had attitude problems and should be removed.

Read: One step forward, one back: Ajmal returns but Shehzad excluded

However, Ahmed has been one of Pakistan’s best batsmen in 2014. The young opener made 227 runs at the World Cup at an average of 32.42 and was Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2014, with 629 runs from 16 matches, as well as T20Is, scoring 181 from six outings. Shehzad also scored 693 runs in Tests.

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Earlier it was reported, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not listen to head coach Waqar Younis’ recommendation of dropping Ahmed Shehzad from the side as a punishment for his poor behaviour and egotistic approach.

Read: Shehzad to retain his place despite behavioural issues

Further, former Indian cricketer Harsha Bhogle also tweeted that Pakistan's team has undergone two major changes and spoke against PCB's decision of excluding Shehzad and Umar Akmal from the Bangladesh tour.

That is a lot of changes in Pakistan cricket. And a lot of people picked and left out! Two changes stand out for me...........

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 3, 2015

The biggest news is the return of Saeed Ajmal. The world will be watching closely to see if he is still the same player he was.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 3, 2015

The other is the potential loss to Pakistan cricket of Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shahzad two fine but erratic, unfulfilled talents

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 3, 2015

This is not the first time a West Indies cricketer has tweeted in defence of Pakistan’s players. Last month, cricket extraordinaire Brian Lara criticised ICC’s decision to fine fast bowler Wahab Riaz following Pakistan’s defeat to Australia was “uncalled for”, while offering to pay for it himself.

Pakistan’s clash with Australia at the World Cup quarter-final was significant for more than one aspect but it was Riaz’s 30 minute spell with Shane Watson that was the highlight of the match.

Read: I'll pay Wahab Riaz's fine: Brian Lara

“I don’t know what the ICC is thinking. It’s just uncalled for. We need this in a sport that people are running away from, especially 50-over cricket. I loved the exchange,” the former West Indies batsman said.

Read: Wahab Riaz invites Brian Lara to Pakistan

The bowling ace was fined half of his match fee for mocking the batsman and sending a ‘kiss’ in the air. Conversely, Watson was fined only a meager 15% of his match fee.