Basit Ali recommends former captain to mentor Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the national team’s mentor for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit emphasized the value of Sarfaraz’s vast experience, particularly in high-pressure matches against India, and highlighted the leadership qualities he displayed during Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017.  

“Afghanistan appointed Younis Khan as a mentor, which is a great choice. In Pakistan, it seems people, including the board, are asleep. Against India, you need someone who has won you the Champions Trophy before: Sarfaraz Ahmed,” Basit said.  

He added that Sarfaraz’s insights would be crucial in such high-stakes matches. “In this match, Sarfaraz’s suggestions will be invaluable. He knows how to handle pressure and has already lifted the trophy against them. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else,” he said.   

Basit also raised concerns about the tournament’s venue, suggesting that India might face challenges playing in Dubai, where all their matches are set to take place.  

“Dubai hasn’t historically favored India,” he said. “If their matches were held in Sri Lanka instead of Dubai, I could potentially see them as finalists. But given the challenges they’ve faced in Dubai, it might not be an easy road for them this time,” he added.   

Notably, Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to their first-ever Champions Trophy title in 2017, has recently taken on a mentoring role for the Dolphins team competing in the Champions Cup.