Since you don't know what's going on I can't accurately tell you what might have went wrong.
Take note that shifting sands targets a random player so it it's not as if it is stationary. You may have to constantly move.
Cutter's cry is in the range where you as a PLD are stuck with using Sword Oath until you hit 40 (max level you can be in Cutter's) where you get Shield Oath. It's not very easy but it is certainly doable to hold aggro in Sword Oath and as a PLD here.
Are you pulling while being buffed? Are you pulling when you have a HoT (Heal over time)? Typically at that level it's an Aspected Regen-like AST buff or the WHM's Regen (green icon would be on your buff bar). The enemies shouldn't be so easily ignoring your flash if they're in range and you've used it 2+ times. (Rule of thumb is that you flash around the same number of times as you have enemies and spread your aggro combo: Fast Blade -> Savage Blade -> Rage of Halone)
Also, how well updated is your gear, especially your sword?
Also, if you have ranged and they wail on the mobs as soon as you shield lob and haven't used flash they will get aggro much faster.
Take note that shifting sands targets a random player so it it's not as if it is stationary. You may have to constantly move.
Cutter's cry is in the range where you as a PLD are stuck with using Sword Oath until you hit 40 (max level you can be in Cutter's) where you get Shield Oath. It's not very easy but it is certainly doable to hold aggro in Sword Oath and as a PLD here.
Are you pulling while being buffed? Are you pulling when you have a HoT (Heal over time)? Typically at that level it's an Aspected Regen-like AST buff or the WHM's Regen (green icon would be on your buff bar). The enemies shouldn't be so easily ignoring your flash if they're in range and you've used it 2+ times. (Rule of thumb is that you flash around the same number of times as you have enemies and spread your aggro combo: Fast Blade -> Savage Blade -> Rage of Halone)
Also, how well updated is your gear, especially your sword?
Also, if you have ranged and they wail on the mobs as soon as you shield lob and haven't used flash they will get aggro much faster.
