Speaking with PakPassion.net, Shehzad who scored 486 runs at a strike rate of over 155 in the BPL, explained how pleased he was with his performance at the BPL and how it had really boosted his confidence for the future.

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Despite the tender years, Ahmed Shehzad’s career has already seen its fair share of ups and downs. A batsman of prestigious talent, ability and self confidence, Ahmed has been in and out of the Pakistan one day and Twenty20 sides, without ever truly establishing himself.

A Twenty20 World Cup winner in 2009, Shehzad has already made 2 one day international centuries, despite only being just 20 years of age. His highest score in international cricket of 115 against New Zealand in Hamilton was what many thought would be the start of a long and successful career.

However Shehzad has only represented Pakistan on 25 occasions since making his debut in April 2009 in a one day international against Australia in Dubai and last played international cricket in May last year where he made 9 whilst Pakistan were routed by the West Indies by 10 wickets.

A recent successful stint at the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the Barisal Burners has once again seen Shehzad on the verge of international selection and he was named amongst the reserves for the ongoing Asia Cup.

Speaking with PakPassion.net, Shehzad who scored 486 runs at a strike rate of over 155 in the BPL, explained how pleased he was with his performance at the BPL and how it had really boosted his confidence for the future.

“Yes the BPL was very satisfying. I thought I batted pretty well and I hope that when I get my chance for Pakistan, I can bat as well as I did in Bangladesh.”

Shehzad formed a formidable partnership with West Indian batsman Chris Gayle, as Barisal reached the semi finals of the BPL, and spoke of his immense pleasure at batting with the powerful Jamaican.

“Chris (Gayle) is a great batsman, he’s just phenomenal. You can match him for the first 6 overs but then it’s very difficult to keep up with him. Nobody in the world can compete with him when it comes to big hitting.”

“Chris was brilliant to bat alongside, he was full of praise for me which was very nice of him and he said to me that I already hit the ball so hard and that if I was his size, I would be able to break the ball into pieces. Chris was full of admiration for me, he said to me that I have a bright future ahead and to keep on working hard. He also mentioned that he would like to bat with me at the Big Bash in future.”

After the successful stint in the BPL, Shehzad’s focus is firmly on a return to international cricket and added “I’ve been working hard on my batting and yes it was good to see my name included in the standby list of players for the Asia Cup which is a step in the right direction. The next step of course is to continue the hard work and hope that it pays off and I get another chance for Pakistan. My aim is to get back into the Pakistan team and do my very best for my country.”

“The more cricket you play, the more you learn. The BPL experience has really boosted my confidence and I’m looking forward to a successful One Day Cup tournament with Habib Bank. I’ve played a couple of matches for Habib Bank in the 50 over domestic competition and did quite well in the first match but the second match did not go so well. It’s important that I get some scores under my belt in this competition too.”

“I’ve learnt from my mistakes and want to develop my batting and to overcome the mistakes I have been making. Whenever the selectors feel that they need me, whenever the selectors wish to call me up I will be ready to serve my country. My long term aim is to break back into the Pakistan side and play for my country for a long period of time.”

Shehzad’s next match for Habib Bank sees him face PIA in Lahore on Wednesday.