Former Pakistan opening batsman Basit Ali has sparked fresh controversy by alleging that a personal rift between captain Babar Azam and fast‑bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi over the captaincy is the principal reason for Pakistan cricket’s recent downturn. Ali made the claim on the television programme ‘Game Plan’ in the wake of Pakistan’s 194‑run loss to England at Lord’s.
The loss at the historic ground marked the first of two defeats in the opening two Tests of a three‑match series. Babar Azam, who opened the batting, managed only two single‑digit scores, a performance he described as an “outing to forget”. The team’s lack of resistance in the first two matches has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, intensifying scrutiny of the leadership structure that has seen frequent changes in recent months.
Leadership Turmoil Within the PCB
Pakistan’s cricket administration, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has been in a state of flux since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the national side underperformed. Following that tournament, Babar Azam stepped down as limited‑overs captain, and Shaheen Afridi was elevated to the role. However, a disappointing series in New Zealand prompted the board to reverse the decision, reinstating Babar as captain for the white‑ball formats.
The reshuffle did not end there. After Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi‑finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Babar was again sidelined, leading to a split captaincy across formats: Babar retained the Test captaincy, Shaheen was appointed ODI captain, and all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha was handed the T20I reins. This three‑captain model reflects the board’s attempt to find stability amid a series of poor results.
Amid the leadership carousel, the PCB also took decisive action on the personnel front. On a Monday following the Lord’s Test, the board sent seven players home, among them senior wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling director Umar Gul were also removed from their positions. White‑ball coach Mike Hesson was tasked with overseeing the third and final Test against England in Birmingham, while Babar continues as Test captain.
Basit Ali’s Accusations and Their Context
During his interview, Basit Ali did not limit his criticism to recent results. He asserted that Babar Azam is “not a strong captain” and that the player has made “many wrong decisions” throughout his tenure, a judgment Ali said is not based solely on the England series. Ali emphasized that the core issue is the alleged falling‑out between Babar and Shaheen over who should lead the side, describing it as a moment that “ruined Pakistan cricket”.
Ali pointed to public statements that have praised both men for their bowling abilities, suggesting that the rift may have been amplified by external commentary. He warned that the “side effects” of this discord are evident in the team’s current performances, implying that the lack of cohesion at the top has filtered down to the playing XI.
While Ali’s comments focus on the interpersonal dynamics between the two senior players, the broader picture includes a series of structural challenges. Babar’s own batting form in Tests has been under scrutiny; he has not recorded a century in the longest format for four years. His appointment as Test captain earlier in the year saw him succeed Shan Masood, and under his leadership Pakistan managed a draw against the West Indies in a two‑match series. Nevertheless, the recent heavy defeat at Lord’s has raised questions about whether his on‑field decisions are aligning with the team’s needs.
The fast‑bowling star Shaheen Afridi, who briefly captained the side in ODIs, now finds himself out of favour in red‑ball cricket, according to the PCB’s latest selections. His absence from the Test squad underscores the shifting power dynamics that Ali believes have contributed to the team’s instability.
In summary, Basit Ali’s allegations add another layer to an already complex situation within Pakistan cricket. The combination of frequent captaincy changes, coaching staff turnover, and a string of poor results has created an environment where personal disagreements can have amplified consequences. Whether the PCB will address the alleged rift directly, or continue to restructure its leadership, remains to be seen as the team prepares for the final Test in Birmingham.
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