Former Pakistan women’s cricket coach Basit Ali has urged Babar Azam to step down as captain of the Pakistan white-ball cricket team, advocating for the star batsman to concentrate solely on his batting.
Ali’s recommendation comes in light of Babar’s recent performance, which includes his last century against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup. Ali believes that by relinquishing the captaincy, Babar could potentially regain his top form and improve his standings in the ICC Test Rankings.
Ali’s call for change is rooted in his belief that Babar’s focus has been divided between leadership duties and batting performance. By stepping away from the captaincy, Babar would be able to dedicate himself fully to enhancing his batting skills and improving his overall performance.
With Shan Masood poised to take over as the Test captain, Ali expressed a positive outlook regarding the potential for renewed success in Pakistan’s Test cricket.
The emphasis now shifts to Shan Masood, who Ali believes must demonstrate strong and decisive leadership. He urged Masood to place the team’s success above personal accolades, suggesting that a change in leadership could lead to a more focused and result-oriented approach.
Ali criticized the recent trend of excessive hype surrounding Pakistani cricket, which, according to him, has often led to underachievement. He advocates for a more pragmatic approach that prioritizes tangible results over mere fanfare.
As Pakistan gears up for the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on the dynamic between Babar Azam and Shan Masood. The series presents a crucial opportunity for both the former captain and the incoming leader to make a significant impact.
For Babar, stepping away from captaincy could mark the beginning of a resurgence in his batting form. For Masood, the responsibility of leading the Test team will be a test of his leadership and ability to inspire his squad towards success.
Basit Ali’s call for Babar Azam to step down from captaincy reflects a strategic move aimed at maximizing his batting potential. Meanwhile, Shan Masood’s upcoming leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of Pakistan’s Test cricket and addressing the need for effective, result-oriented leadership.
