Basit Ali Criticizes Team Selection Strategy

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has voiced his disapproval of the national team’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, citing what he considers unnecessary alterations to the playing XI during the recent ODI series against the West Indies.

In a statement made on his YouTube channel, Basit suggested that Hesson should prioritize supporting Pakistan cricket, rather than acting as a dominant figure who frequently modifies the team lineup.

He stated, “In my view, Mike Hesson, our head coach, should operate as a facilitator for Pakistan cricket, not as an overbearing authority who makes constant changes – sometimes two, sometimes three – akin to what happened at Islamabad United. And the typical justification? ‘We’re building a team for major tournaments.’”

Basit emphasized that repeated and unwarranted lineup changes can disrupt team harmony and negatively impact player confidence. He contended that such an approach hinders players from establishing themselves in their roles and consistently performing at the highest level.

“The fundamental problem within the Pakistan team is a lack of assurance. If you don’t instill confidence in players and persist in making these kinds of changes, I believe they will only perform well against weaker opponents. At the international level, self-assurance is crucial – and that is precisely what is lacking,” he added.

The former cricketer also directed criticism towards the team’s batting coach, highlighting what he perceives as a deficiency in providing technical guidance to the players.

“Saim Ayub – batting coach, examine his backlift and refine it. Don’t simply have Babar, Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, and Saim engage in repetitive practice. Repetition alone does not make you a batting coach – identify and correct their technical shortcomings,” he asserted.

He further elaborated that Abdullah Shafique requires specific guidance on selecting appropriate shots.

“Explain to Abdullah that deliveries at shoulder height are suited for the pull shot, while those above the head are for the hook shot – yet he attempts to pull even those above his head. These are the fundamentals that need to be taught – distinguishing which ball to pull and which to hook,” he concluded.

Notably, the decisive third and final ODI between the West Indies and Pakistan was scheduled to take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with the series evenly balanced at 1-1.

Pakistan secured victory in the initial ODI with a convincing five-wicket win.

The West Indies were dismissed for 280 in their innings, with significant contributions from Evin Lewis (60 off 62), captain Shai Hope (55 off 77), and Roston Chase (53 off 54).

Pakistan successfully chased the target in 48.5 overs, propelled by a 104-run partnership between debutant Hassan Nawaz (63* off 54) and Hussain Talat (41 off 37). Mohammad Rizwan contributed 53 off 69, while Babar Azam added 47 off 64.

The second ODI, shortened to 35 overs per side due to inclement weather, favored the host nation.

Pakistan posted 171-7 in 37 overs (revised from 50), with Hassan Nawaz once again delivering a notable performance with 36* off 30. Saim Ayub (23), Abdullah Shafique (26), and Talat (31 off 32) also made contributions.

The West Indies reached their revised target of 181 in 33.2 overs, spearheaded by Chase (49 off 47) and Sherfane Rutherford (45 off 33). Hope scored 32 off 35, while Justin Greaves added 26 off 31.