Basit Ali Demands Removal of Coach and Captain

Web Desk | 1 month ago

Basit Ali Urges PCB to Sack Coach and Captain Before World Cup

Former cricketer Basit Ali has demanded the removal of Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson after the team’s poor performance. He criticized Hesson’s planning during the Asia Cup 2025, especially in the final loss to India. Speaking on ARY News, Basit said Pakistan lost because of weak strategy and poor leadership. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to replace the foreign coach with a local one. According to him, only a local coach can truly understand and support Pakistan’s spirit.

Basit Ali also questioned the team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup. He expressed concern over the team’s failure to beat top international sides. In his view, the current team lacks the aggression and planning needed at big stages. He warned that continuing with the same leadership may result in more failures. The former cricketer emphasized the need for quick and strong action.

He criticized current captain Salman Ali Agha, calling him unfit to lead the national side. Basit referred to him as a “yes man” who avoids bold decisions. He also pointed out that Salman failed to use key bowlers during crucial moments. In particular, he questioned why Salman and Mohammad Nawaz were not given the ball at vital stages. These decisions, he believes, cost Pakistan the match.

Furthermore, Basit Ali highlighted the unfair treatment of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. He said Afridi was removed from captaincy without justification. He urged the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to bring Afridi back as captain. According to him, restoring Afridi will help the team regain balance and confidence. He believes bold leadership changes are needed before the World Cup.

In closing, Basit Ali called on cricket authorities to act fast and make big changes. He stressed that the current management has failed the team and fans. With the T20 World Cup coming soon, strong leadership is more important than ever. Only then, he says, can Pakistan return to winning ways.