Former cricketer Basit Ali has demanded the immediate removal of Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, holding him responsible for the team’s poor planning during the Asia Cup 2025.
Speaking on ARY News’ special transmission, Basit Ali blamed Hesson’s strategies for Pakistan’s defeat against India in the final, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to replace the foreign coach with a local figure who “can feel for the country.”
He further criticized the team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup, pointing out that Pakistan has consistently struggled to defeat top-ranked sides. Basit Ali also expressed disappointment in captain Salman Ali Agha, describing him as a “yes man” incapable of making bold on-field decisions.
Highlighting questionable management calls, he pointed to the decision of not utilizing Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz in key overs during the recent match.
The former cricketer also alleged that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been treated unfairly under the current leadership. Urging PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take decisive steps before the World Cup, Basit Ali insisted that Afridi be reinstated as captain to restore balance and public confidence in the national team.
