Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan At the Epicenter of Savage Criticism After Pakistan's Humiliating Loss to West Indies

Pakistan cricket is going through one of its toughest times and two of its finest stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are at the center of savage criticism. Previously celebrated as the dynamic duo of Pakistan cricket the duo's form and contribution have fallen through the roof in the past few months. Their woes have especially been evident in recent ICC tournaments like the 2023 ODI World Cup the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. All those tours were disappointing for Pakistan and now another setback against the West Indies has further fueled the outrage.

The recent loss was in a series decider high-profile game where Pakistan were thrashed by a massive 202 run margin. This Trinidad match saw the West Indies break their 34 year drought with such one-sided victory over Pakistan. It was also their largest fourth run margin in men's ODI history. West Indies skipper Shai Hope set the tone with a run-a-ball 120 not out as his side posted 294 for 6. Pakistan's batting disintegrated as the fast bowler Jayden Seales tore through the top order claiming six wickets and left Pakistan at a paltry 92 runs. This gave the hosts a 2 1 series win and left Pakistan deep in thought regarding their performance.

Babar Azam had made only 9 runs in that crucial game and Mohammad Rizwan got out on a duck. These scores were far less than what was expected of players of their caliber and only added to people's disappointment. Basit Ali, an old Pakistan cricketer, had bitter remarks stating the feeling Ab inse bas advertisements kara lo meaning let them just do ads now. His comment was a reflection of the growing irritation of supporters and commentators who believe that the intensity of the duo and their impact on the field have decreased since their early days.

Basit Ali also criticized their technique implying that both players pretend to listen but fail to apply tips from batting coaches. He underlined that the team needs tough characters like Inzamam ul Haq Mohammad Yousuf or Younis Khan to push the players and keep them in line. Babar Azam, according to his view, needs to put his ego aside if he is to get into top form again and lead from the front. The implication was that the environment in the team has not allowed strong leadership to challenge players in the past and this has resulted in complacency.

While Basit Ali’s remarks were harsh not everyone agreed with his take on Babar’s character. Former wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal came forward to defend the former Pakistan captain. Akmal added that he never saw ego in Babar and described him as someone who has respect for his family and talks to all in a pleasant manner. At the same time, however, he also urged Babar to ensure that when he is on the pitch he should not be thinking that he is bigger than the game itself. For Akmal, there has to be Pakistan above all else, above individual likings or loyalty to some players. He also pointed out that most of the player selections and investments Babar made in particular players during his captaincy were not healthy for the national team in the long run.

This defeat to the West Indies is more than statistical low. It again has opened up debates about Pakistan's overall cricketing setup player attitude and preparation for high-pressure matches. Getting routed for under 100 in an ODI match after losing almost 300 is a sign of batting weakness and also weakness in resisting pressure. For a country with such a rich cricketing heritage results like these hurt rankings apart, they also dent the morale of fans and the players themselves.

The criticism on Babar and Rizwan is also the point that they have been the most experienced and skilled members of the team. When the older players continue to make blunders in important matches it raises questions about the leadership on and off the field. Pakistan cricket has seen too many great names who not only had personal talent but also the potential to drive the rest of the team forward. Supporters now feel this dimension is missing and that the side needs players who can take the team by the scruff of the neck during challenging moments.

The task for Babar Azam in the days to come is to silence detractors not with mouth but with runs and match-winning displays. The same applies to Mohammad Rizwan whose wicket-keeping skills are still serviceable but whose batting consistency must be at its pre-Big Bash standard. Both batsmen have previously demonstrated that they are match winners and it is this that the public continue to want to witness. Their association previously represented solidity and ferocity at the top of the order but recent performances have tarnished that image.

The West Indies series has placed things into perspective that Pakistan's problems are not limited to a single or double stakeholders. The bowling unit despite quality names could not defend totals and restrict rivals in substance. The lower order batting has also proved to be lacking in depth and adaptability in challenging conditions. All these have been added to by the lack of a strong middle order that can salvage the innings when early wickets occur.

The response of Basit Ali and other ex-players is an indication of how much is at stake in cricket in Pakistan. The game is not merely a sport in the country but also a matter of national unity pride and identity. Any win is being enjoyed across the country and any loss especially one as bad as this is being felt. Cynicism however tough can sometimes be a change force if it makes players and management rethink plans and rebuild team culture.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the moment remain the focal points of Pakistan cricket. They have the task to relearn the hunger and discipline that once made them formidable opponents. With the team preparing for upcoming series the spotlight shall remain on how they respond to this fiasco. A good fightback with bat in hand will immediately reverse public opinion and again position them as team leaders. Pakistan cricket fans will all hope that this record low is a watershed and not the start of a further descent.