Basit Ali takes a dig at Babar Azam for favoritism in team selection

In the aftermath of Pakistan's recent T20 World Cup loss to India in New York, former cricketer Basit Ali did not hold back his emotions and criticized the current state of the Pakistan cricket team and its administration.

In a recent interview with a local media channel, Basit Ali expressed his frustration with the Men in Green following a string of defeats against co-hosts USA and Rohit Sharma-led India.

"In Pakistan, it is a crime to speak the truth. Ziyadti karte hai ye log (They are highly unfair). I selected the likes of Shaheen, Shadab, and Babar during the U19 days. Look how they have been treated and what has happened to the Pakistan team," Basit said.

The former cricketer did not hesitate to accuse the current selection committee of favoritism, specifically referring to Babar Azam, the national team captain.

"He [Babar Azam] has been consistently selecting players who are close to him, and that has ruined Pakistan's chances," he said.

Ali also touched on the controversial administrative decisions that he believes have demoralized the team, particularly Shaheen Afridi's appointment and subsequent removal as captain just before the T20 World Cup 2024.

“They broke the tempo, and now we are not on the same page. First, they should be removed, and then new faces should be included in the team,” he concluded.

Pakistan will aim for their first two points when they face Canada on Tuesday in New York. Group A’s next match is set for Tuesday, June 11, between Pakistan and Canada in New York.