Shezhad slams omission from WT20

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has slammed selectors for his omission for the ICC World T20, vowing to return to the national set-up.

The 24-year-old hit 64 to top score for the Quetta Gladiators in their Pakistan Super League final defeat this week, and finished as the tournament's fourth-leading run-scorer with 290 runs at 29 and a strike rate of 143.56.

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The 24-year-old has played 40 T20 internationals for Pakistan but has passed 50 just once in his past 15 innings dating back to April 2014. He opened for Pakistan in their most recent series against New Zealand in January and posted scores of 16, nine and eight in three matches.

"I don't know or understand the reason behind dropping an established player after a bad performance in one or two series," Shezhad told Pakistan TV station ARY.

"If performance was the only criteria then I should have been selected. I've performed well in the last three and a half years," he added.

Shehzad has one T20 international century to his name – a top score of 111 not out against Bangladesh in Dhaka during the last World T20 in 2014 – and averages 24.76.

"Anyhow, my job as a player is to perform on the field and also to enjoy my cricket which is under my control," he added.

"A player's form can fluctuate, but ability is something that always remains consistent. I am not disappointed; I am very much satisfied with my performances.

"The team has been picked according to their [management and captain] wish and good luck to them.

"I am still young and have hit 10 international centuries, which is a great achievement, and I will be back very, very soon."

Shezhad had a heated run-in with Paksitan pace bowler Wahab Riaz during the Pakistan Super League in Dubai, the pair shoving each other following the batsman's dismissal.

The opener is no stranger to confrontation, he was also involved in an exchange with Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin during Australia's tour of the UAE in October 2014, when the gloveman took exception to Shezhad reach out to grab a return throw to Haddin.

Pakistan open their Asia Cup tournament against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur tonight, with live scoring on cricket.com.au.