What lies ahead for Pakistan cricket? What kind of pitches should we prepare next for home Tests? Will we continue with the much hyped & so-called 'Aaqib Ball'? It is high time Pakistan cricket ceased living in a world of illusions. This series between two bottom-ranked teams was of little consequence, yet we managed to transform it into a place for self-infliction. A 120-run defeat on a square turner – a pitch prepared for two spinners – speaks volumes about the sorry state of Pakistan cricket. It underscores our inability to face hard truths. We are trapped in delusions, unwilling to admit that our cricket is teetering on the edge of irrelevance. Our batting lineup is subpar, save for one or two individuals of note, and we lack the solutions and resolve to address this crisis. The resistance to change and the entrenched culture of mediocrity must be confronted head-on. We need to engage in serious introspection and recalibrate our priorities. It is imperative to introduce competent human resources, establish state-of-the-art infrastructure, integrate modern tools and technologies, strengthen the tiers of junior and domestic cricket, revitalise club cricket, and exercise patience. Investments must be channelled into junior and grassroots cricket, and the pathways for emerging talent must be fortified. It is time to dispense with superficial fixes, empty jargon, and highly-paid mentors who bring little value, rather most of these ex cricketers are holding Pakistan cricket hostage. Instead, we must identify individuals with genuine expertise and a sincere passion for the development of cricket at the grassroots. This series between Pakistan and the West Indies spanned only 376 overs, equivalent to approximately four days of standard Test cricket. On average, each innings lasted a mere 47 overs – less than the duration of a typical ODI innings. We, in turn, managed to elevate Jomel Warrican into a Jack Noriega. Pakistan cricket must abandon its illusions. @iRashidLatif68