Who Approved This Selection? PCB Faces Backlash Over Another Controversial Team Pick

Pakistan's selection committee is under fire again after an embarrassing defeat in the first T20I against New Zealand. Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over all-rounder Shadab Khan's selection, questioning his recent performances and the logic behind keeping him in the squad.

During the opening match in Christchurch, Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat as New Zealand chased down a meager target of 92 runs in just 10.1 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Shadab Khan, who was expected to contribute significantly with the ball, bowled only two overs, conceding 18 runs without picking up a wicket. His ineffective spell has once again raised concerns over his current form and his place in the national team.

Shehzad did not hold back while expressing his frustration over Shadab's selection. "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," Shehzad said in an interview, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Beyond Shadab, Shehzad was critical of the entire Pakistan squad after their humiliating loss, which marked their worst-ever defeat in terms of balls remaining (59). "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?" he questioned.

The former Pakistan batter also took aim at the PCB's National Cricket Academy (NCA), criticizing its inability to develop and groom quality players in recent years. He pointed out that during his playing days, the NCA was instrumental in shaping future stars through rigorous training 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?"

Shehzad further called out NCA director Nadeem Khan, demanding accountability for the lack of player development. "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?"

With growing criticism over team selection and player development, the PCB faces mounting pressure to address these concerns before the series progresses.