Concerns Raised Over Babar Azam's Mental Fitness Ahead of Bangladesh ODIs

Babar Azam's Selection Under Scrutiny

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed serious concerns regarding Babar Azam's mental readiness for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. His comments followed selector Aaqib Javed's statement indicating that both Babar and Fakhar Zaman were dealing with injuries during the T20 World Cup. Basit pointed out that Babar did not exhibit any visible signs of physical injury throughout the tournament and suggested that his recent struggles stemmed from management's decision to position him at number four in the batting order. He emphasized that it was in Babar's best interest not to be included in the squad, citing his mental state as a significant factor in his performance. “Babar Azam is mentally unfit,” Basit remarked on a YouTube segment. “Physically unfit he is not.” (Babar Azam mentally unfit hai. Physically unfit nahin hai.)

Criticism of Coaching Decisions

Basit Ali Critiques Mike Hesson

Basit Ali did not hold back in his criticism of head coach Mike Hesson, accusing him of overstepping his boundaries by effectively selecting the 15-man squad, a responsibility that should lie with the selectors. “Who is he to make a team of 15? Is it his uncle’s team?” Basit questioned. He also directed his ire at Aaqib Javed, who currently serves as the Director of High Performance, asserting that he should be held accountable for granting Hesson such authority. “Aaqib Javed also has a hand in destroying Pakistan cricket — because he is the one who gave him that authority,” Basit stated. He challenged Aaqib directly, questioning the precedent for a head coach to select teams, a role traditionally reserved for selectors. Furthermore, Basit predicted that Mike Hesson's tenure as Pakistan's coach is nearing its end, suggesting that Misbah ul Haq and Sarfaraz Khan, newly appointed to the selection committee, would refuse to work under Hesson's leadership.