Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi feels that a defensive mindset has disrupted the game of opener Ahmed Shehzad.
Shehzad struggled in the limited overs series wins over Sri Lanka earlier this year notching just 8 runs in two ODIs and 49 in two T20Is.
Afridi is the captain and icon player of the new Pakistan T10 League team the Pakhtoons and said he hoped selecting Shehzad will boost the players confidence.
He said: “Picking Shehzad in his team is to revive his confidence. Shehzad is a talented player. I don’t know if he is comfortable playing with me.
“He is is an aggressive player which is good for this format as well.
“I feel if he plays his natural game, he will perform better.
“When Shehzad starts defensive cricket, he can’t perform.
“Overall it is good to have him on board for the league.”
Afridi also backed veteran fast bowler Umar Gul to use the T10 League to revive his international career.
He said: “I don’t know when Gul last played international cricket but he has been active in league cricket, where I have seen his performance.
“I know his career struggled after the injuries, but I believe that I should support him as a senior and help him return to international cricket.”
