Ahmed Shehzad calls out Pakistan’s bowling performance, questions Shadab Khan’s inclusion

Pakistan’s opening batter, Ahmed Shehzad, expressed his disappointment over the team’s poor performance in the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand on Sunday in Christchurch. 

In a recent interview, Shehzad voiced his concerns, particularly pointing out the failure of Pakistan's experienced bowling lineup to take wickets despite defending a low total. He criticized the bowlers for not applying pressure on New Zealand’s batters.

“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 said.

Shehzad also raised questions about the inclusion of all-rounder Shadab Khan in the squad, suggesting that his selection might be part of a broader plan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

“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,” he added.

When asked if Shadab could lead the T20I team in the future, Shehzad responded with a simple "Yes."

The 33-year-old batter further criticized the current state of Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), stating it has failed to produce quality players in recent years. He reflected on the past when the NCA played a key role in player development through camps.

“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?” he questioned.

Shehzad named several players, including himself, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, and Shan Masood, who came through the NCA’s development system. 

“We all came from the NCA—myself, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, Shan Masood. We were all part of development camps there, learning under coaches like Mudassar Nazar and others. So what has happened to our NCA in the last four years? Who is running it? Where is the player development that used to take place for young talent?” he stated.

The batter also criticized former cricketer and current NCA Director Nadeem Khan, questioning his role and accountability in developing players.

“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.

In the match, Pakistan was dismissed for a mere 91 runs, with Khushdil Shah being the top scorer with 32 runs. Jacob Duffy starred for New Zealand with four wickets, while Kyle Jamieson claimed three, and Ish Sodhi took two.

In reply, New Zealand chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring an impressive 44 off 29 balls. Finn Allen and Tim Robinson also contributed key runs, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series.