Pakistan cricket is reeling after a humiliating 202-run defeat to the West Indies — their first series loss to the Caribbean side since 1991 — as Shoaib Akhtar unleashes a fiery rant, accusing the team of 'playing for averages, not Pakistan'

Pakistan cricket has been left stunned and soul-searching after a 202-run thrashing by the West Indies in Tarouba — the Caribbean side’s first ODI series win over Pakistan since 1991. Chasing 295, Pakistan folded for just 92, with three ducks among the top four, including skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s golden duck at the hands of Jayden Seales.
Seales was the star of the show, ripping through the visitors with a blistering 6/18, while Windies captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten century set up the crushing result. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique offered no resistance, and Babar Azam’s nine-run stay only deepened the collapse.
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar, furious at the display, launched a scathing attack on the team’s mindset on the Game On Hai show.
“We used to have expressive and explosive talent. We were never dependent on one individual — everyone chipped in,” Akhtar said, as quoted by The Times of India.
“Now everyone is playing for their averages. The intent should be to win matches for your country.” Akhtar accused the current side of lacking collective intent and relying on flat home pitches.
“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),” he quipped.
Calling for an urgent overhaul in team culture, Akhtar urged Pakistan to adopt a modern, aggressive mindset.
“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?”
Pakistan’s next chance to regroup comes on August 29 in a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE ahead of the Asia Cup. West Indies, buoyed by their historic triumph, will face Nepal in a T20I series before touring India for two Tests in October.
Published: 14 Aug 2025, 08:09 am IST
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