Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has openly expressed his views on the national cricket team’s underwhelming performance in the recent T20 World Cup. He emphasized that the blame for the team’s struggles cannot be placed solely on head coach Mike Hesson, but must also be shared by the players themselves. Basit’s comments come amid mounting criticism of Pakistan’s approach and decision-making throughout the tournament.
During an in-depth discussion on the programme Har Lamha Purjosh, Basit Ali took aim at the team’s selection choices, particularly the lineup fielded against Sri Lanka. He argued that the management’s response to the team’s shortcomings was reactive rather than proactive, stating that corrective measures were only implemented after the team had already suffered significant setbacks. “It’s like waiting for the water to rise above your head before you decide to act,” he remarked, underscoring the delayed reaction to evident problems within the squad.
One of Basit’s key points of contention was the timing of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion in the playing XI. He insisted that Abrar should have been given an opportunity much earlier in the tournament, suggesting that his presence could have altered the course of Pakistan’s campaign. “If Abrar had been played against England, the dynamics might have shifted in our favor,” Basit noted, highlighting what he sees as a fundamental strategic misstep from the outset.
While Basit was careful to clarify that his critique was not directed against captain Babar Azam personally, he questioned the logic behind Babar’s batting position at number four in the current team setup. “We are not opposing Babar Azam, but in this particular combination, his role at number four doesn’t seem to fit well,” he explained. This observation adds to ongoing debates about role clarity and batting order optimization within Pakistan’s T20 squad.
In addition to these points, Basit responded indirectly to recent remarks suggesting that even experienced teams have historically struggled against India. He dismissed such arguments as excuses, instead calling for greater accountability from the players. “Look at how the bowling unit performed against Sri Lanka. Taking wickets and putting in the necessary effort is non-negotiable,” he asserted, emphasizing that responsibility must be taken seriously at every level.
Adding to the conversation, cricket analyst Najeeb Al Hussnain highlighted that the XI chosen for the Sri Lanka match exposed deeper issues within Pakistan’s original World Cup squad selection. He particularly questioned the decision to move Fakhar Zaman down the batting order, pointing out that Fakhar’s effectiveness as an opener was evident. “When Fakhar opened, his performance spoke volumes,” Najeeb remarked, suggesting that the team’s inconsistent selection policies have contributed to its struggles.
This exchange reflects a broader and intensifying debate surrounding Pakistan’s T20 World Cup strategy, selection consistency, and the clarity of player roles. As the team looks ahead to future tournaments, these discussions underline the urgent need for a more cohesive and well-thought-out approach to team management and on-field tactics.
