Tomato seller was asking absence of spinners in CT squad: Basit Ali urges Pakistan selection committee to resign

ANI April 7, 2025 275 views

Pakistan's cricket team has endured a catastrophic international performance, facing complete whitewash in recent New Zealand tours. Former cricketer Basit Ali launched a scathing criticism of the selection committee, demanding their immediate resignation. He highlighted the team's consistent failures across T20I and ODI formats, particularly their absence of strategic planning. Ali also proposed a T10 tournament to help top players improve their power-hitting techniques.

"Even the tomato seller was asking why you didn't include spinners in the Champions Trophy" - Basit Ali
Islamabad, April 7: Former cricketer Basit Ali has urged Pakistan's entire selection committee to resign following their shambolic whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series.

Key Points

1

Pakistan suffered humiliating 4-1 T20I and ODI series defeat against New Zealand

2

Selection committee criticized for poor team composition

3

Basit Ali suggests T10 tournament to improve power-hitting skills

Pakistan's abysmal international cricket form continued after their Champions Trophy title defence ended on a heartbreaking note in the group stage. After the Champions Trophy, Pakistan expanded its view and started bolstering its preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup. Days after the tournament's end, Pakistan toured New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.

Pakistan named a relatively inexperienced side for the five T20Is in New Zealand and dropped its premier stars, Babar Azam and Mohmmad Rizwan, from the squad.

With a couple of new faces and an experienced group, Pakistan fell to a 4-1 series defeat against a young New Zealand side led by Michael Bracewell. The T20Is were followed by three ODIs, and a squad named specifically for the 2027 ODI World Cup fell miserably in the Kiwis' home den.

Even after the return of Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan's fate was stuck in defeat. Basit launched a scathing tirade and didn't mince his words while urging the resignation of the selection committee, which features Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Hassan Cheema.

"The selection committee should resign. They don't know how to make teams. From the Champions Trophy until now, it has been a flop show. Even the tomato seller was asking why you didn't include spinners in the Champions Trophy. Aqib should step down. If you stay for four months, you will lose against Bangladesh as well," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Basit dropped a suggestion for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to host a T10 tournament because some of the top stars need to learn and master the art of power-hitting.

"PCB chairman should host a T10 tournament. Babar, Rizwan, Imam-ulHaq, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Abdullah Shafique need to learn power hitting," he added.

Reader Comments

A
Ahmed K.
Basit Ali speaks the truth! Our selection has been terrible for months now. How can you ignore spinners in CT? 🤦‍♂️ The committee needs fresh blood with modern cricket thinking.
S
Sana R.
While I agree changes are needed, calling for resignations after every loss isn't productive. We need systematic reforms, not just scapegoating individuals.
F
Farhan T.
"Tomato seller was asking" 😂😂 Basit bhai always has the best analogies! But seriously, our cricket is in crisis. T10 tournament suggestion is interesting though!
M
Mehwish A.
The problem isn't just selection - our batting approach is outdated. Power hitting is a must in modern cricket. Maybe T10 could help, but we need proper coaches first.
Z
Zubair N.
Respectfully disagree with Basit here. The same committee selected the team that won CT 2025. One bad series doesn't erase their past successes. Knee-jerk reactions won't help.
H
Hina S.
The real issue is domestic cricket structure. We keep blaming selectors but where are the quality players coming from? PCB needs to invest in grassroots development.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Pakistan Cricket Basit Ali New Zealand Cricket Selection Committee Babar Azam Mohammad Rizwan PCB
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