The Pakistan Super League’s shift to a full auction model was a step toward modernising squad building. In addition, though, PSL 11 has seen some emotion and pointed questions about transparency, opportunity and communication within Pakistan cricket.
Within hours of the auction in Lahore, two storylines began to emerge — Umar Akmal’s absence from the bidding pool and Ahmed Shehzad’s emotional reaction to yet another snub.
Kamran Akmal questions Umar Akmal’s exclusion
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal publicly criticised the process after his brother Umar Akmal’s name failed to appear in the final auction list, despite being on the official registration sheet.
Taking to X, he wrote, “Unfair system….disappointed !!!! Why was @Umar96Akmal’s name not in auction??? #JusticeforUmarAkmal @TheRealPCB @thePSLt20 @MohsinnaqviC42”, directly questioning the Pakistan Cricket Board and league organisers.
Unfair system….disappointed !!!!
Why was @Umar96Akmal’s name not in auction???#JusticeforUmarAkmal@TheRealPCB @thePSLt20 @MohsinnaqviC42— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) February 11, 2026
According to the PCB’s registration list, Umar had formally entered the PSL 2026 auction pool. However, when franchises assembled for bidding, his name was missing from the available set.
Umar Akmal has featured in 41 PSL matches, scoring 1,029 runs at a strike rate of 144.32. Supporters argued that such experience and aggressive batting credentials made his exclusion difficult to understand.
The debate quickly split opinion. While some demanded clarity on how the final auction list was structured, others pointed out that the new auction system — which saw 888 players register — does not guarantee inclusion in the bidding category. Franchises, they argued, make decisions based on team balance, form and long-term strategy.
Ahmed Shehzad’s emotional outburst on live television
While Umar’s absence triggered procedural questions, Ahmed Shehzad’s response to his own PSL snub unfolded in deeply personal fashion.
Appearing on Geo News’ comedy talk show Hasna Mana Hai alongside Mohammad Amir, Shehzad became visibly emotional as he spoke about watching his contemporaries continue their careers while he remains on the sidelines.
“Yes, I do get emotional. When I speak honestly, it hurts a lot. I want to play. The way you said all my batch-mates are playing, that makes me happy for them. I’m that kind of person: when something good happens for someone, I genuinely feel happy,” he said, acknowledging both pride for his peers and frustration at his own exclusion.
Reflecting on his long career arc, he added, “But of course, I also wonder what the reasons were. Why did this happen? If things had not gone this way… everything started in front of my eyes. I’ve spent 18 years in this field, and suddenly seeing it all slip away — I remember it all, and it makes me cry,” describing how quickly his standing in the game appeared to shift.
Shehzad’s emotions intensified when he spoke about his family. “The pain lasts two or three days. Your emotions go through a rollercoaster. At night, when I’m trying to sleep… what hurts me the most is that my son is nine, and he wanted me to play,” he said, before recalling his son’s words: “He sleeps beside me, and now he’s growing up. He says, ‘Baba, I remember you used to play, but will I be able to remember you properly?’”
Overcome, Shehzad walked off the set in tears.
Long-standing grievances and public campaigns
The 34-year-old has not been picked by a PSL franchise since 2020. He featured in five seasons between 2016 and 2021, playing 45 matches and scoring 1,077 runs at a strike rate of 120, including nine fifties.
Earlier, in January 2025, Shehzad had criticised the PCB on his YouTube channel after being listed in the local category for the PSL 10 draft. “PSL 10 is happening, and suddenly it feels like I am also part of it. Are you happy now with the hype? Why don’t you talk about the players you’ve backed for the last four or five years?” he had questioned, suggesting the move was more publicity-driven than performance-based.
On the talk show, he also pointed to his consistent presence in public discussions around the league. “My name makes rounds on social media amid the 500 players who feature in PSL drafts,” he said, arguing that despite the size of the player pool, attention often centres on him.
He expanded on that argument, stating, “500 players play in the PSL; however, I do not see their names anywhere, but there are campaigns on my name. However, despite this, no one just keeps aside the egos and comes and has a word with me.”
According to Shehzad, confusion surrounds his status within the system. “When the new teams came in and there were conversations from their end, one of the teams knew that the PCB had put a ban on me. They are unaware of the reality; while some think that I have retired from the league on my own, some have the idea of me being banned from the PSL. They have absolutely no clarity from any end,” he claimed, alleging a lack of communication.
He also suggested that his presence would have added commercial value to the league, saying, “Like Babar Azam had eyes on him while playing in the BBL. People would have also watched the PSL if I had been part of the league. Some would have watched out of hatred, some out of love and some would have watched me bat neutrally,” framing himself as a polarising yet marketable figure.
