Ahmed Shehzad questions PCB's selection method after Pakistan's disappointing loss against New Zealand

Ahmed Shehzad, a vital member of Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2009-winning team, recently voiced his criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their team selection in the match against New Zealand. After a lackluster performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan underwent major changes in their T20I squad. Salman Ali Agha was appointed as the new captain, with Shadab Khan named as his vice-captain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated Shadab Khan to the team after his absence following disappointing performances at the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA. In his return during the first T20I against New Zealand, he scored only three runs. Unfortunately, the entire Pakistan team struggled, getting dismissed for just 91 runs in 10.1 overs.

“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 in the team for a different purpose,” Ahmed Shehzad said as quoted by IndianExpress.

“We were dismissed, but how many wickets did we take? Our senior, experienced bowling attack—what have they done? Where do you see them delivering any kind of threatening bowling, whether they are right-handed or left-handed?” Shehzad added.

Shehzad raised concerns about the Pakistan National Cricket Academy (NCA), claiming that it favors its own personnel and ensures they receive salaries.

“When we used to play, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) held big camps, and players were developed from there. That place is supposed to be a nursery for talent—not just a setup where you adjust your own people and secure salaries. It was established to produce players. So where are those players now? How many have emerged?” Shehzad asked.

The right-handed batsman criticized former cricketer and current NCA Director Nadeem Khan, questioning his responsibilities and effectiveness in player development.

“Is there any responsibility or accountability? They are supposed to produce players for Pakistan. You can’t put everything on the players. What has Nadeem Khan produced at the NCA? Why is no one questioning him? The NCA is such a big institution—what players have they developed? On what basis was he appointed there, and who put him in charge? What qualifications or credentials did he have to be given that position?” Shehzad concluded.

New Zealand is currently ahead 1-0 in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan. The second T20I is scheduled for March 18 at University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand.