Ahmed Shehzad critiques PCB, questions Shadab Khan's inclusion

Veteran Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the selection of all-rounder Shadab Khan in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.

Shehzad's comments followed Pakistan's significant defeat in the series opener in Christchurch, where New Zealand comfortably chased down 92 runs in just 10.1 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Shadab's underwhelming performance saw him bowl only two overs, conceding 18 runs without a wicket.

In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shehzad expressed his reservations about Shadab's current form and questioned the rationale behind his inclusion in the team.

"Regarding Shadab, what performance has he shown? Who is responsible for bringing him into the team? Let this series end first. The PCB has a separate agenda with Shadab, and he was selected for reasons beyond performance," Shehzad remarked.

Shehzad also critiqued the overall performance of the team, pointing to Pakistan's dismal defeat, which stands as their worst-ever in terms of balls remaining, with New Zealand having 59 still to bowl.

"Our team was bowled out quickly, but how many wickets did we really take? Our experienced bowling attack, what have they achieved? Where is the threatening bowling, whether from right-handers or left-handers?" Shehzad continued.

Turning his attention to the state of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shehzad lambasted the PCB for its apparent failure to develop quality players in recent times.

He reminisced about the academy's past role as a breeding ground for talent, a place where players like himself, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, and Shan Masood were nurtured under coaches such as Mudassar Nazar.

"What has happened to our NCA over the last four years? Who is overseeing it? Where is the player development that once thrived there?" Shehzad questioned.

He saved particular ire for NCA chief Nadeem Khan, challenging his contribution to player development. "Is there any accountability? The NCA is expected to produce players for Pakistan.

This cannot all be blamed on the players. What has Nadeem Khan achieved at the NCA? Why is no one questioning him or evaluating his qualifications or credentials for holding that position?" Shehzad concluded.

These comments reflect growing concerns over the performance and strategic decisions of the PCB, as well as the effectiveness of its player development systems.