NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricketer Saud Shakeel took a subtle dig at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during a recent interview, making a sarcastic remark about the board’s instability in appointing a permanent head coach.
Shakeel humorously stated, “If I become the PCB Chairman, the first thing I will do is bring in a permanent coach for three years.”
His comment comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s coaching staff.
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Over the past few years, Morne Morkel, Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie have all stepped down from coaching roles due to alleged power struggles within the PCB.
The frequent changes have led to growing criticism of the board’s management.
Meanwhile, on the field, Pakistan faced another disappointing result as New Zealand secured an 84-run victory in Hamilton, sealing the series win 2-0.
The Kiwis, now aiming for a 3-0 whitewash, will play the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 292/8, with Mitchell Hay leading the charge with an unbeaten 99 off 78 balls.
Rhys Mariu (18) and Nick Kelly (31) provided a quick start before Pakistan struck back with key wickets.
At one point, New Zealand were struggling at 132/5, but Lahore-born Muhammad Abbas (41) and Hay put together a crucial 77-run stand to stabilise the innings. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) and Mohammad Wasim (2/78) were Pakistan’s best bowlers.
Chasing 293, Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure. Abdullah Shafique (1), Babar Azam (1), and Imam-ul-Haq (0) all fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan at a disastrous 9/3 in 5.3 overs.
Despite some resistance from Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem Shah (51 off 44), Pakistan couldn’t recover from the early collapse and were eventually bowled out.
Ben Sears (5/59) and Jacob Duffy (3/35) were the standout bowlers for New Zealand.
With the series already decided, Pakistan will now fight to avoid a humiliating whitewash in the final ODI.
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