‘Be thankful Cummins, Starc weren’t there,’ Akhtar slams Pakistan team

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the national team following their heavy defeat in the ODI series against the West Indies, warning that the batting line-up will continue to be exposed whenever they face fast bowling friendly conditions.

Speaking on state television after the match, Akhtar also questioned the role of white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, saying that while the New Zealander is a capable T20 coach, his approach to the 50-over format is puzzling. “Mike Hesson is a good T20 coach, but I don’t know what qualities he has for ODIs. In this format, if you don’t play quality players, this is what will happen,” Akhtar said. The former pacer emphasised the need for proven performers across all departments to succeed in ODIs. “Unless you field established all-rounders, batters, bowlers, and spinners, you won’t get a complete 50 overs. You can’t just scrape by in this format,” he added.

Akhtar attributed Pakistan’s failures to flawed decision-making rather than individual player shortcomings. “This is the result of bad policies, not the players’ fault. Your players will always be exposed on seaming tracks. Now this rebuilding process has been given a new name, making a combination,” he remarked. The 49-year-old reiterated that Pakistan’s batting frailties are particularly glaring on pitches offering pace and movement. “Be thankful Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc weren’t here. Wherever such conditions exist, our players will be exposed,” Akhtar concluded.

For the unversed, West Indies broke a 34-year-long jinx by securing a memorable 2-1 victory in the ODI series.