NEW DELHI: The 24-year-old cricketer from Sialkot stunned the cricket world after announcing his decision to step down from Pakistan cricket, citing politics, corruption and lack of structure in the domestic system.Sialkot-born Shahzaib Bhatti played a key role in Sialkot region’s thrilling one-wicket victory over Peshawar region in the final of the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, scoring an unbeaten 32 in a dramatic finish.
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However, Bhatti said despite his performance, he was repeatedly sidelined and had to sit on the bench for almost 40 matches. The youngster revealed that his dream was to represent Pakistan but the reality of the domestic structure forced him to quit the game.
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Writing on X, Bhatti said, “Goodbye Pakistan cricket.” Goodbye Pakistan Cricket. I am leaving Pakistan cricket at the age of 24. Last year I won the Quaid E Azam final on live television. Since then I have been on the bench for almost 40 games in a row. My only dream is to represent Pakistan. But politics, corruption, lack of structure destroyed my career. And many more, now I know why they are all leaving Pakistan cricket. Goodbye”.So far, Bhatti has played two first-class matches, one List A match and one T20 match on Pakistan’s domestic circuit. He has five wickets in red ball cricket. In December 2024, he took five wickets for 236 runs against Lahore Whites.In 2024, he made his List A debut for Eshaal in the Presidents Cup Grade 1 and took two wickets. He made his T20 debut against Rawalpindi where he took one wicket and conceded 47 runs in four overs.
