Former Test cricketer Basit Ali has come out with harsh criticism of Babar Azam and Shan Masood following the defeat against England.
On his YouTube channel, Basit expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, specifically pointing out issues with Babar Azam’s captaincy and Shan Masood’s leadership.
Basit emphasized that Babar Azam could benefit from a break, suggesting that the captain has been underperforming for an extended period without facing any consequences.
“Babar Azam needs rest. Babar should say that I need to rest. It has been 18 innings since he has performed. If some other player was playing, then he would be out of the squad after three games, like Fawad Alam. This is the bitter truth. He should reduce his stance. It is a lot now. The whole world is laughing. Is this how to play?” the former cricketer lamented on his YouTube channel.
Basit Ali also took to critiquing Shan Masood’s captaincy, arguing that Masood, a natural opener, should not be batting at number three. “Shan Masood has failed as a captain. I’ve always said he should open, but now that he’s batting at number three, who will be dropped? He should play in his usual position. He doesn’t understand captaincy. What’s happening to this team is shameful,” Basit remarked.
The former cricketer also criticized the team’s fitness levels, saying their physical weaknesses were exposed during the Multan Test. He pointed out that Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel missed key catches, and by the time Pakistan came to bat, “their legs were shaky” from spending too much time fielding.
Basit praised England’s dominant display, especially Harry Brook’s remarkable 454-run partnership, which dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack and put England in control. He predicted that Brook, who scored a triple century, would become a cricket legend in the future.
He also took a swipe at the PCB Chairman, suggesting that if he can’t manage his responsibilities, he should step down. “The chairman has given everyone a free hand. If he can’t take responsibility, he should resign,” Basit said. He questioned why the head coach and batting coach were absent during the team’s struggles and called for younger players, including Under-19 talent, to be given a chance in the squad.