'Rawalpindi ki pitch lekar nahi ghoom sakte': Shoaib Akhtar blasts at Babar Azam and other Pakistan batters

Shoaib Akhtar slams Babar Azam and other Pakistan batters after West Indies series. (Photo: X)

Pakistan cricket finds itself in a period of soul-searching after a crushing ODI series loss to the West Indies — their first such defeat against the Caribbean side since 1991. The decisive third match in Tarouba turned into a nightmare for the visitors, as they were bundled out for just 92 runs in pursuit of 295, handing the hosts a 202-run win. West Indies pacer Jayden Seales delivered a devastating spell of 6/18, while skipper Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten century, leaving Pakistan under immense pressure.

The collapse laid bare serious flaws in Pakistan’s batting unit, and former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back in his criticism. Speaking on the Game On Hai show, Akhtar slammed the side for lacking collective ambition.

“We used to have expressive and explosive talent, and we played like that. We were never dependent on one individual — everyone chipped in,” he said, as quoted by The Times of India.

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“No one used to look for escape routes. The environment has changed, and in the last 10–15 years, everyone has started playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for their averages. The intent should be to win matches for your country.”

Akhtar urged an urgent shift in both mindset and team culture, advocating a move from self-centered performances to a united, intent-driven style.

“We need to change the intent, the mindset, and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?” he added.

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Pakistan’s top order fared miserably, with three ducks among the first four wickets. Captain Mohammad Rizwan fell to a golden duck, bowled by Seales, while openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique offered little resistance. Babar Azam’s lbw dismissal for nine runs only deepened the collapse.

Pointing to technical frailties and unhelpful habits, Akhtar remarked, “Halka sa seam hota hai toh musibat pad jaati hai (The ball moves a bit and they are in trouble). Rawalpindi pitch lekar nahi ghoom sakte (You can’t carry Pindi pitches everywhere).”

Pakistan’s next assignment is on August 29, when they face Afghanistan in a tri-series also involving the United Arab Emirates, as part of their build-up to next month’s Asia Cup. West Indies will play a three-match T20I series against Nepal before heading to India in October for two Tests.