Pakistan’s humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test has ignited a firestorm of criticism, prompting former cricketer Basit Ali to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to emulate India’s domestic system. Ali lamented the PCB’s decision to host a One-Day tournament after the Bangladesh Tests, emphasizing the need for a stronger focus on red-ball cricket.
“Pakistan has copied systems from England, Australia, and New Zealand in the past, but right now, they should look at India and try to mimic their domestic system,” Ali said. “India is right next to us, please copy their system too. You need intelligence in copying as well. Just copy what India is doing. The Duleep Trophy is about to begin. Is it a T20 or One-Day tournament? It is a four-day tournament. They are focused on making their base stronger, which is why they are so successful.”
In response to the criticism, the PCB has recalled Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam to the Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh. Both players had been released from the squad for the first Test but have since impressed in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh ‘A’.
Abrar, a leg-spinner, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options, while Kamran, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test.
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3. Pakistan will be desperate to level the series and avoid a humiliating defeat to their neighbors.
