Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has strongly criticized the national team after their heavy ODI series loss to West Indies. Speaking on state TV, he questioned the role of white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, saying the New Zealander’s approach works for T20s but doesn’t suit the ODI format.
Shoaib stressed that success in ODIs requires experienced players in batting, bowling, and spin, along with quality all-rounders. Without them, he said, it’s impossible to complete 50 overs. He blamed poor planning and decision-making rather than the players, adding that similar failures will continue on such pitches.
In a sarcastic tone, he remarked, “Thank God Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc weren’t here, or our team would have been exposed even more.”This was West Indies’ first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years, ending a streak of 10 consecutive series defeats. The last time they won a series against Pakistan was in 1991.
In the deciding match, West Indies posted 294-6 in 50 overs, with captain Shai Hope scoring 120 runs and Justin Greaves adding 43. Evin Lewis (37) and Roston Chase (36) also made valuable contributions.
Pakistan’s batting collapsed in reply, managing only 92 runs in 29.2 overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 30, Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 23, and Hassan Nawaz made 13. Openers Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, and Abrar Ahmed all went out without scoring.
