Ahmed Shehzad lambasts Pakistan team over defeat in second West Indies Test
'Pakistan cricket has reached a new low,' says Shehzad
MULTAN: Pakistan's Test opener Ahmed Shehzad lambasted the national men’s team following their disappointing 120-run defeat in the second Test of the two-match series against West Indies here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Shehzad, while reacting to the outcome of the second Test on his YouTube channel, slammed the national cricketers, coaching staff and team management, stating that the Pakistan cricket has reached a new low after losing to ninth-ranked West Indies.
“Pakistan cricket has reached a new low,” said Shehzad, referring to the national team’s gruelling defeat.
“This defeat is a clear indication of the lack of focus and preparation within the team,” he added.
The opening batter also dismissed the fuss around the difficulty of the pitch and instead held the batters responsible for playing ‘reckless’ shots.
“The pitch didn’t tell you to play reckless shots or edge the ball to the slips,” Shehzad said.
“It’s not about the conditions, it’s about the mindsets of the players,” he added.
He further called for a revamp in the selection process for the national men’s team, particularly for the longest format, emphasising the need to reward top domestic performers.
“We need a system that prioritizes performance and consistency, not popularity and social media following,” Shehzad stated.
Ahmed Shehzad also questioned the team’s leadership, questioning the decision-making in key moments of the fixture.
“You have three leaders on the field, and yet, no one seems to take charge,” the right-handed batter said, while referring to the senior trio of skipper Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“Leadership is about taking responsibility when things are tough, and right now, that is lacking,” he added.
It is worth mentioning here that the home side needed to chase down a 254-run target to register their first clean sweep series victory in Tests at home since 2021.
But Jomel Warrican’s five-wicket haul helped West Indies to book Pakistan on a meagre 133 and claim their first Test victory in the country since 1990.
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