Follow UsPakistan cricket is in a dismal place, following a 2-1 loss against the West Indies on August 12 (Tuesday). One of the major reasons behind their downfall is the drastic decline of their batting unit, which seemed world-class not too long ago, when Babar Azam was in fine form.
Babar’s form has taken a backseat, as the former Pakistan skipper has barely made an impact with the bat over the last three years, with his last ODI century coming against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the big Pakistan stars, stating that they are now playing for themselves and their average.
“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 said on the Game On Hai show, reported the Indian Express.
Akhtar further trolled the Pakistan batters, stating that they can’t ‘carry the Pindi pitches everywhere’.
“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.
“Halka sa seam hota hai toh musibat pad jaati hai (The ball moves a bit and they are in trouble),” he noted. “Rawalpindi pitch lekar nahi ghoom sakte [You can’t carry Pindi pitches everywhere].”
Their next assignment is the eight-team Asia Cup 2025, where they will have to change their fortunes.