Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team's disappointing performance against New Zealand in the first T20I on Sunday. In a recent interview, Shehzad raised concerns about team selection, Pakistan’s bowling lineup, and the board’s failure to produce quality players. “When we played, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) organized major camps, and players were developed through that system. It was supposed to be a nursery for talent—not a setup to accommodate personal connections and secure salaries. It was established to produce players. So where are those players now? How many have emerged?” he questioned, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan. Shehzad pointed out that several notable players, including Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, came through the NCA’s development program. “We all came from the NCA—myself, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, and Shan Masood. We were part of development camps under coaches like Mudassar Nazar. But what has happened to our NCA in the last four years? Who is running it? Where is the player development that once existed for young talent?” he added. Shehzad also criticized the current NCA director, Nadeem Khan, holding him responsible for the lack of player development. “Is there any responsibility or accountability? The NCA is supposed to produce players for Pakistan, but you can't blame everything on the players. What has Nadeem Khan achieved at the NCA? Why is no one questioning him? The NCA is a major institution—what players have they developed? On what basis was he appointed, and who put him in charge? What qualifications or credentials does he have for this role?” Shehzad asked. Also Read: Corbin Bosch’s IPL Move Turns Messy as PCB Serves Legal Notice 'Tell me, what performance has Shadab delivered?' Shehzad also questioned the inclusion of Shadab Khan in the squad despite his underwhelming performances. “You’re talking about Shadab—tell me, what performance has he delivered? Who brought him into the team? Let this series pass first. The PCB has a different plan with Shadab, and he was included for another purpose,” he said. Pakistan were bowled out for just 91 runs in the first match of the five-match T20I series. In response, New Zealand chased the target in just 10.1 overs, winning by nine wickets. Shadab Khan bowled two overs, conceding 18 runs without taking a wicket. For Pakistan, Khushdil Shah top-scored with 32 runs, the only batter to cross the 20-run mark. New Zealand’s pace attack dominated, with Kyle Jamieson picking up three wickets while Jacob Duffy led the bowling with figures of 4/14. Tim Seifert’s 29-ball 44 ensured an easy chase for New Zealand. The teams will face off again on Tuesday at the University Oval in Dunedin.
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