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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited a debate with his recent comments regarding Babar Azam’s form and leadership. Babar, who has struggled to replicate his batting prowess in recent matches, last scored a century against Nepal during the Asia Cup 2023 and has encountered several setbacks in his role as captain during recent ICC events.
Babar Azam’s form under the microscope: A call for change in Leadership
With the two-match home series against Bangladesh on the horizon, Basit believed this is a crucial juncture for Babar to demonstrate his capabilities. However, he controversially suggested that Babar should consider stepping down from his white-ball captaincy to regain his focus on batting. Basit emphasized that Babar’s role as Pakistan’s premier batter should take precedence.
“Babar Azam’s last century came against Nepal in the Asia Cup. This is a great chance for him to prove himself and climb back up the Test Rankings. He’s no longer the Test captain, which is a good thing. He should also step down as the white-ball captain to focus entirely on his batting. Babar is Pakistan’s premier batsman, and he should be performing at his best,” Basit said in a video on his Youtube channel.
Also READ: Saqlain Mushtaq opens up on the criticism around Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s leadership
Crucial advice to Shan Masood
In addition to his remarks on Babar, Basit also offered advice to Pakistan’s current Test captain, Shan Masood. With Shan recently taking over the captaincy, Basit urged him to make bold decisions that prioritize the team’s success over individual preferences. He criticized the recent trend of overpromising in Pakistani cricket, where lofty goals have not been matched by on-field performances.
“In the last 2-3 years, we’ve seen a lot of talkative cricket, with claims of winning the World Cup, the Asia Cup, and reaching the finals in India. But now, it’s time to deliver. Shan Masood, as the new Test captain, needs to make bold decisions that benefit Pakistan cricket. Leadership should be about bravery, not favoritism,” the 53-year-old added.
The need for courageous leadership in Pakistan cricket
Basit’s insights extended to a broader critique of the leadership culture in Pakistani cricket. He stressed that leadership should be driven by what is best for the team, rather than by personal biases or favoritism. Reflecting on the recent failures to deliver on big promises, Basit called for a more fearless and effective approach to decision-making within the team.
“Shan shouldn’t think that just because someone is a premium batter or bowler, they deserve a soft corner. He must take decisions that are good for Pakistan, not out of fear, but with courage. Only then will the cricket improve, and the team will perform better,” Basit concluded.
