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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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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