Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has voiced strong criticism of the national team’s performance and management following their crushing defeat to the West Indies in the ODI series. The loss marked Pakistan’s first series defeat to the Caribbean side in 34 years, sparking heated discussions among cricket fans and experts.
Questioning the Role of Head Coach Mike Hesson
After the third ODI, Akhtar, speaking on state TV, raised doubts over the tactics of Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
“Hesson is a good coach for T20 cricket, but his strategy in the ODI format is beyond understanding,” Akhtar said.
The former speedster stressed that ODI cricket requires a balanced combination of experienced batters, quality pacers, reliable spinners, and proven all-rounders. Without this mix, he warned, Pakistan would struggle to even complete 50 overs.
“It’s About Policies, Not Players”
Akhtar shifted the blame away from individual players and placed it squarely on the management’s flawed policies.
“This result is the outcome of wrong decisions, not the players’ fault. He remarked that such outcomes are inevitable when playing on seaming pitches.
He mocked the team’s current rebuilding phase, suggesting that it had merely been rebranded as “finding the right combination.” With a touch of sarcasm, Akhtar added:
“Consider yourself lucky that Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc weren’t in the lineup. In such conditions, our players get exposed.”
Historic West Indies Triumph After 34 Years
The West Indies secured their first ODI series win over Pakistan since November 1991, ending a long drought of 10 consecutive series defeats against the Men in Green. This was a major breakthrough for the Caribbean side, achieved after years of struggling in the format against Pakistan.
Decisive Third ODI: Hope Leads the Charge
In the deciding match on home turf, West Indies put up an impressive 294 for 6 in their 50 overs.
- Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten knock of 120 runs.
- Justin Greaves contributed 43 runs, while Evin Lewis (37) and Roston Chase (36) added valuable support.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
While chasing 295, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed dramatically. The team was bowled out for just 92 runs in 29.2 overs, failing to withstand the West Indies’ disciplined bowling attack. The defeat by 202 runs not only handed the series to the hosts but also highlighted Pakistan’s glaring weaknesses in ODI cricket.
