Ahmed Shehzad slams Pakistan’s loss in T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan’s former opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his frustration over the national team’s dismal performance in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.

The Men in Green suffered a crushing defeat, failing to defend a modest total of 91 runs as the Black Caps chased the target in just 10.1 overs without losing a single wicket.

In a media talk, Shehzad criticized the experienced Pakistani bowling attack, questioning their inability to trouble the New Zealand batters.

He questioned their inability to put any 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?" Ahmed stated.

The opener also raised concerns about all-rounder Shadab Khan’s selection in the squad. He questioned the decision-making process behind his inclusion and hinted at a larger 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 said.

When asked about the possibility of Shadab leading the T20I squad in the future, Shehzad responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”

Shehzad also criticized the current state of Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), stating that it has failed to produce quality players in recent years.

Reflecting on the past, he highlighted the significance of development camps and the role they played in shaping players.

“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.

The 33-year-old went on to name several players who emerged from the NCA’s development system, including himself, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, and Shan Masood.

“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.