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Basit Ali, the former Pakistan batsman and coach, has made waves in the cricketing community with his candid comments regarding Babar Azam’s recent performances as both a batter and captain.
As Pakistan prepares for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh on home soil, Basit highlighted that Babar’s most recent century was scored against Nepal during the Asia Cup 2023. He emphasized that this Test series presents a crucial chance for Babar, the white-ball captain, to reaffirm his reputation as one of the leading players and make a notable return to the ICC Test Rankings.
Former Pakistani coach Basit Ali has proposed that Babar Azam consider relinquishing his white-ball captaincy to concentrate exclusively on his batting. Basit argued that, as Pakistan’s leading batsman, Babar’s main objective should be to thrive with the bat in all three formats of the game.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Babar Azam has made the last century against Nepal in the Asia Cup. It is a great chance for him to prove himself. To come back in the Test Rankings. And he is not the captain. It is a very good thing. And he should quit the white-ball captaincy as well. He should focus on his batting. He is a premium batsman of Pakistan. So, he should perform well.”
In addition, Basit Ali took aim at the prevalent culture of overpromising in Pakistani cricket. He noted that while there has been extensive talk about clinching major titles such as the World Cup and Asia Cup, the team’s performances have often fallen short and been disappointing.
Basit Ali urges Shan Masood to lead Pakistan with courage.
With Shan Masood taking over as the Test captain, Basit Ali has called on him to make bold and pivotal decisions to enhance Pakistani cricket. He emphasized that leadership should be guided by what is best for the team rather than favoritism, advocating for a more fearless and strategic approach to the game.
The former coach added: “In the last 2-3 years, we have played a lot of talkative cricket. We will win the World Cup. We will win the Asia Cup. We will play in the finals in India. It was all talkative cricket. Now it is time to deliver. Shan Masood becomes the Test captain again after the Australia series, so he will now have to make his own decisions.”
Basit Ali signed off by saying, “He should not think like that if he is a premium batter or a premium bowler, then I will give him a soft corner. No. He must take decisions that are good for Pakistan. Not out of fear. Out of bravery. Then the cricket will look good, and they will perform better.”
