Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has sharply criticized Pakistan’s chances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the team “does not deserve” to reach the semi-finals. His comments came after Pakistan’s Super Eights defeat to England, which left the team’s progress hanging on other results.
Basit explained that Pakistan’s only realistic route to the semi-finals now depends on New Zealand losing both of their remaining matches against England and Sri Lanka, while Pakistan wins their final match against the Islanders. “The way we are playing, we don’t deserve to be in the semi-finals,” he said, pointing to flawed planning and poor decision-making.
The former opener was highly critical of Pakistan’s selection strategy. He questioned the decision to include Babar Azam in the squad and his placement at number four. Basit said this batting approach cost Pakistan vital runs against England. He noted that Babar and Sahibzada Farhan went 23 deliveries without a boundary, contributing to the team falling around 20 runs short of a competitive total.
Basit contrasted this with England captain Harry Brook’s proactive strategy. Brook promoted himself to number three during the chase, demonstrating strong planning. “They planned to win the game. We won the toss and still ended up 20 runs short,” Basit said.
He also criticized Pakistan’s batting order, suggesting that Saim Ayub would have been more effective in the middle order. Basit said captain Salman Ali Agha should have prioritized team balance over individual roles. “Any sensible captain would have batted Babar at number three and played himself at four,” he added.
Basit praised Shadab Khan for rescuing Pakistan’s innings late, claiming the team would have struggled to reach even 150 without his contribution, finishing at 164. He further questioned bowling decisions in the final over, arguing that a spinner should have been used to take a wicket when England needed only three runs.
The former international called for major changes behind the scenes. Basit stated that the head coach and selection committee should resign, saying it is the only way to put Pakistan cricket “back on track” ahead of future T20 World Cup tournaments.
His blunt assessment underscores Pakistan’s struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup and signals urgent reforms needed to restore competitiveness at the international level.
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