Sahibzada Farhan Picks Ahmed Shehzad Over Tendulkar—Ex-Pakistan Stars Apologize in Shame

'We ask for forgiveness': Ex-Pakistan players left embarrassed byFarhan's choice - Watch

In the high-stakes world of cricket fandom, few things spark outrage faster than questioning the greatness of legends. So when Pakistani batter **Sahibzada Farhan** named **Ahmed Shehzad**—a player with a modest international record—as his ultimate cricketing inspiration over icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, the backlash was swift, savage, and global. The fallout? Former Pakistan greats **Basit Ali** and **Kamran Akmal** were left so mortified that they publicly issued what amounted to an apology: *“We ask for forgiveness.”*

This isn’t just about personal taste—it’s about legacy, respect, and the unspoken hierarchy of cricketing greatness. And Farhan’s choice has thrown the entire cricket-watching community into a heated debate: Is it okay to idolize a contemporary over a legend? Or does this reflect a deeper disconnect in how young players view the game’s history?

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The Controversial Questionnaire That Sparked a Storm

The controversy began during a routine media interaction where emerging players were asked to name their all-time cricketing inspiration. Most chose predictable legends—Tendulkar, Bradman, Lara. But Farhan, a domestic stalwart with limited international exposure, stunned everyone by picking **Ahmed Shehzad**, a fellow Pakistani opener known more for his flamboyant style than sustained excellence .

Farhan explained that Shehzad’s aggressive batting during Pakistan’s 2014 T20 World Cup win deeply influenced his own approach. “He played fearlessly. That’s the kind of cricketer I wanted to be,” Farhan said . While heartfelt, the answer ignored decades of transcendent greatness—a misstep that didn’t go unnoticed.

Sahibzada Farhan Cricket Controversy Explained

The Sahibzada Farhan cricket controversy hinges on perceived disrespect. To many fans—especially in India—omitting **Sachin Tendulkar**, the “God of Cricket,” isn’t just odd; it’s borderline sacrilegious. Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries, played 200 Tests, and carried a nation’s hopes for 24 years. Virender Sehwag, meanwhile, redefined aggressive opening with two triple Test centuries.

In contrast, Shehzad’s career stats are underwhelming: 3,000+ international runs across formats, but no century since 2015 and inconsistent selection. His peak was brief; theirs was epoch-defining.

Who Is Ahmed Shehzad—and Why Did Farhan Choose Him?

Ahmed Shehzad, 34, was once hailed as Pakistan’s next great opener. He scored a century on Test debut in Sri Lanka (2014) and played a key role in Pakistan’s 2014 T20 World Cup semifinal run. Known for his cover drives and fearless strokeplay, he embodied a certain swagger that resonated with young players like Farhan.

But his career plateaued due to fitness issues and temperament concerns. Still, for someone from the same cricketing ecosystem—perhaps even coached in the same academies—Shehzad’s journey felt relatable, tangible. As one analyst noted, “Sometimes, you’re inspired not by the mountain, but by the climber you see just ahead of you” .

Legendary Credentials: Tendulkar vs. Sehwag vs. Shehzad

Let’s compare the numbers:

  • Sachin Tendulkar: 34,357 international runs, 100 centuries, ICC Hall of Fame.
  • Virender Sehwag: 26,298 runs, fastest 250 in Tests, revolutionized ODI openers.
  • Ahmed Shehzad: 3,124 runs, 5 centuries, last int’l match in 2019 .

The gap isn’t marginal—it’s chasmic. This is why fans saw Farhan’s choice as either ignorant or deliberately provocative.

Ex-Pakistan Stars React with Embarrassment and Apologies

The most telling response came from veterans. **Basit Ali**, a former Test opener himself, expressed disbelief: “How can anyone overlook Tendulkar? His contribution to the game is beyond comparison.” **Kamran Akmal**, ex-wicketkeeper, went further: “We ask for forgiveness from cricket lovers. This is not how we teach respect for the game” .

Their reactions highlight a generational rift: older players view cricket history as sacred; younger ones see it as optional context.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Erupts

Twitter and Instagram exploded. Indian fans called it “disgraceful”; Pakistani fans were split—some defended Farhan’s right to choose, others called it “national embarrassment.” Memes comparing Shehzad to Tendulkar flooded timelines, often with brutal humor.

One viral post read: “Next he’ll say his favorite physicist is his high school teacher instead of Einstein.”

The Bigger Picture: Generational Shifts in Cricket Idolatry

This incident reflects a broader trend. Young athletes today grow up watching T20 leagues, not Test legends. Their heroes are often contemporaries—local stars who made it big against odds. It’s less about statistical dominance and more about emotional resonance.

Still, experts argue that understanding cricket’s lineage is part of being a complete player. As ESPNcricinfo’s Osman Samiuddin wrote, “You don’t have to worship the past—but you must acknowledge it” .

Conclusion: Respect for Legends or Freedom to Choose?

The Sahibzada Farhan cricket controversy isn’t really about Ahmed Shehzad. It’s about whether modern players owe a debt of recognition to those who built the game they now enjoy. Farhan’s choice may be personal—but in a sport steeped in tradition, personal choices become public debates. Perhaps the real lesson isn’t who you idolize, but how you honor the giants whose shoulders you stand on. For more on cricket culture and legacy, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:greatest-cricketers-of-all-time].

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