Islamabad, Aug 15, 2025: Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made an intense attack on the national cricket team and new head coach of Pakistan cricket team Mike Hesson following their defeat in the One Day series against West Indies. Pakistan collapsed to only 92 runs with a formidable track of 295 runs.
Akhtar reckoned Pakistan batters lack adaptability to seaming conditions and whether Hesson had the credentials to coach the 50-over format. “Mike Hesson is effective in T20s, but I don’t see his strengths for ODIs. Playing inexperienced players in this format leads to disaster,” Akhtar commented. “Unless you field proven all-rounders, batters, bowlers, and spinners, completing 50 overs is impossible. This isn’t about the players; it’s poor policy,” he added.
Mohammad Rizwan commented on the loss at the game, saying, we had believed that 220 was possible to make on this pitch. The last 10 overs changed momentum. Credit to Hope for an excellent work. Edges went their way.” In the meantime Shai Hope scored a brilliant century to help West Indies to 294 and they had a great foundation. Our plan was to bat deep, play fast during powerplays and finish strong,” Hope explained.
Read more: Shoaib Akhtar Hails Mohammad Amir’s Skill
Akhtar wrote, “We still go out with outfielders on sticky pitches. This so called rebuilding process is just a name. You should thank that top fast bowlers were not here to make even greater use of the conditions.” In his comments he is highlighting the amount of experience necessary in the Pakistan ODI team.
