Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has openly expressed his views on the national team’s underwhelming performance in the recent T20 World Cup, pointing fingers not only at the head coach Mike Hesson but also at the players themselves. His remarks came during a detailed discussion on the sports programme Har Lamha Purjosh, where he dissected the team’s approach and decision-making throughout the tournament. Basit emphasized that the responsibility for the disappointing campaign cannot be placed solely on the coaching staff, highlighting that the players too must shoulder their share of the blame for the lackluster results.
Delving deeper into the tactical errors, Basit Ali criticized the team selection, particularly the combination chosen for the crucial match against Sri Lanka. He argued that the management’s corrective measures were implemented far too late, after the team had already suffered significant setbacks. “It’s like waiting for the water to rise above your head before taking action,” he remarked, underscoring the delayed response to evident problems within the squad. This delay, him, cost Pakistan valuable momentum and ultimately affected their chances of progressing further in the tournament.
One of the key points Basit raised was the underutilization of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. He insisted that Abrar should have been introduced much earlier in the competition, suggesting that his presence could have altered the course of Pakistan’s campaign. “If Abrar had been given a chance against England, the dynamics of the match—and perhaps the tournament—might have shifted in our favor,” Basit stated, highlighting a missed opportunity to leverage the spinner’s skills at a critical juncture.
In addition to his critique of the bowling strategy, Basit Ali also questioned the batting order, particularly the placement of captain Babar Azam at number four. While he made it clear that he holds no personal opposition to Babar, he expressed doubts about the suitability of his current role within the team’s lineup. “We are not against Babar Azam as a player, but in this specific team setup, his position at number four does not seem to be the best fit,” Basit explained. This comment adds to the ongoing debate about how best to utilize Pakistan’s top batsmen in the shortest format of the game.
Without directly naming individuals, Basit responded to recent remarks that attempted to justify Pakistan’s struggles by referencing historical challenges faced by senior teams against India. He dismissed such excuses and instead called for greater accountability, especially from the bowling unit. “Look at the bowling performance against Sri Lanka. Taking wickets and putting in the hard work are non-negotiable if you want to succeed,” he asserted, emphasizing that excuses do little to mask the team’s shortcomings on the field.
Adding to the conversation, cricket analyst Najeeb Al Hussnain pointed out that the playing XI selected against Sri Lanka revealed deeper issues with Pakistan’s initial World Cup squad choices. He particularly questioned the decision to push Fakhar Zaman down the batting order, noting the stark contrast in his effectiveness when opening the innings. “When Fakhar opened, he showed his true potential and played with confidence,” Najeeb remarked, suggesting that the team’s inconsistent selection policies contributed to their overall instability during the tournament.
This exchange of views reflects a broader and growing discussion within Pakistan’s cricketing circles regarding the team’s strategic planning, consistency in player roles, and the clarity of responsibilities in T20 cricket. As the nation reflects on its World Cup journey, these insights from experienced voices like Basit Ali and Najeeb Al Hussnain highlight the urgent need for introspection and reform if Pakistan hopes to reclaim its status as a dominant force in the shortest format.
