Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Basit Ali, Instagram Photo of @shadab0800
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently named Salman Ali Agha as the new T20I captain for the upcoming series against New Zealand, but the decision has sparked criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali, who believes it’s part of a larger, flawed plan by the selectors.
Basit, known for his candid views on Pakistan’s cricketing matters, expressed strong disapproval of the appointment, suggesting it was a move to eventually make Shadab Khan the permanent T20I skipper.
Basit revealed that the selectors’ decision to appoint Salman as captain was strategic, aimed at eventually paving the way for Shadab to reclaim the T20I leadership role. According to Basit, the New Zealand tour, which is expected to be a challenging one for Pakistan, will likely result in a loss, making it a perfect opportunity for Shadab to step back in. “The selectors did this (giving captaincy to Salman Ali Agha) because they want to make Shadab Khan the captain. The New Zealand tour will be a difficult one, then Shadab will be in the line. Let Shadab play, he is a good player. He will come if he performs well,” Basit explained.
While Basit has no personal issue with Shadab and acknowledges his talent, he questioned the timing of Salman’s appointment, highlighting that Salman’s strengths lie more in Tests and ODIs rather than T20I cricket. “Salman Ali Agha is a very good player in Test matches and ODIs; he is not T20 player. The selectors closed their eyes here,” Basit added, criticizing the selection committee for overlooking Salman’s relatively underwhelming T20I record.
Basit also criticized the PCB for what he perceived as favoritism in squad selections. He accused the selectors of picking players based on personal biases rather than on solid performances, suggesting that the current selection process is far from transparent. “Pakistan have announced their teams. A big mess has been created. Two-two players were picked based on different people’s choices. A team is not made like this, friend. They probably want to throw dust in people’s eyes,” Basit concluded.
The controversy comes as Pakistan prepares for a five-match T20I and three-match ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin on March 16. This series follows a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan were eliminated without winning a single match. The upcoming tour will be crucial for Pakistan, and the decisions surrounding the team’s leadership and composition will be closely watched.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
