Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has demanded the immediate removal of head coach Mike Hesson following the team’s loss to India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final.
Basit Ali said poor planning by Hesson was the main reason for Pakistan’s defeat. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint a local coach “who can feel for the country” instead of relying on foreigners.
The ex-batsman also questioned Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, stressing that the team has failed to defeat any major side in recent months.
Basit Ali voiced strong criticism of captain Salman Ali Agha, calling him a “yes man” who lacks leadership qualities and fails to take decisive actions on the field. He also objected to the team management’s decision not to use Salman and Mohammad Nawaz as bowlers at crucial stages of the final.
Highlighting concerns over internal team decisions, Basit Ali alleged that Shaheen Shah Afridi has been unfairly sidelined. He urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make tough calls before the World Cup, including restoring Afridi as captain to revive the team’s balance and public confidence.
“Shaheen Afridi was sacked unjustly; he should be re-appointed as captain of the national side,” Basit Ali asserted.