Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has called for a change in the batting position of red-ball captain Shan Masood ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
In a recent YouTube video, Ali suggested that Masood should move from his current role at number three to the opening position in all formats. He emphasized that batting at number three is counterproductive for both Masood and the Pakistan team, arguing that Masood’s skills would be better utilized as an opener.
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Ali, who had previously advised Masood to adjust the length of his bat, expressed concern over Masood’s focus on his experiences with Yorkshire, particularly regarding the Kookaburra ball, during a press conference. This comparison did not sit well with Ali, who criticized Masood for prioritizing his time in England over addressing issues within the Pakistan team.
“You are the captain of Pakistan, not Yorkshire,” Ali remarked. He urged Masood to stop comparing himself to players like Joe Root and Harry Brook and instead to highlight the strengths of his own teammates, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Ali stressed the importance of Masood focusing on the domestic context and challenges facing Pakistan cricket, rather than drawing parallels with English cricket, as the pitches and conditions differ significantly from those in the subcontinent. His comments reflect a broader concern for enhancing team cohesion and performance by directly addressing local issues.
