The Pakistan cricket team is currently going through a rough phase. Winning a Test series has become difficult for them not just abroad but even at home. Following a poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, the team will face England in a home Test series.
Before this series, former cricketer Basit Ali expressed his frustrations regarding Pakistan’s new head coach, Gary Kirsten. After the T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa’s Gary Kirsten was appointed as the head coach. He had previously led the Indian team to victory in the 2011 World Cup. However, there has been no visible improvement since Kirsten took over. Basit Ali made a significant statement regarding Kirsten.
Basit Ali Criticizes Gary Kirsten
While speaking about Gary Kirsten on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali mentioned that the leadership of the friendship group has changed. Babar Azam has stepped down from his position, and now Gary Kirsten has taken over as the head coach of the white-ball team.
The former batsman stated that Kirsten repeated what the players had already said in meetings, such as the need for consistency and that selectors and players should be given long-term opportunities.
Basit further added that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had no choice but to agree to give all-rounder Shadab Khan another chance. He emphasized that these decisions were based on favoritism. As the head, Naqvi should support his decisions, which is a positive aspect, but Basit labeled it as a conspiracy, regardless of who the PCB chairman is.
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Basit Ali Also Criticizes the Pakistan Team
The Pakistan team recently suffered a 0-2 defeat in a Test series against Bangladesh, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan. Basit Ali lashed out at the team for their poor performance, stating, “I’ll say it plainly. Bangladesh treated Pakistan like a goat and defeated them. How long will they keep selecting friends? This only happens behind closed doors. Only on-field performance matters.”
Basit made a bold claim that after the Champions Trophy, coach Gary Kirsten would be removed from his position. He stated, “I’m still saying they will say tata, bye-bye. He has become a crucial member of Pakistan cricket politics. He will not succeed.”