'Not making Rizwan captain is a loss for Pakistan': Ex-cricketer Basit Ali

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has voiced his support for Mohammad Rizwan to succeed Babar Azam as the national white-ball captain, citing the wicketkeeper-batter's leadership potential.

Amid rising speculation over Babar’s captaincy, Rizwan has emerged as a top candidate for the role.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit praised Rizwan’s leadership during the Champions One-Day Cup, where he led the Markhors to a dominant victory over the Stallions.

He highlighted Rizwan’s ability to read pitch conditions—an asset Basit believes is superior to that of both Babar and current Test captain Shan Masood.

"The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him," said Basit. "He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can't do that. If you don't make him captain now, it’s a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time to give Rizwan the captaincy."

Pakistan’s cricket team has faced recent setbacks, with concerns over leadership arising after poor performances in the Asia Cup 2023 and World Cups.

Babar Azam, who was replaced by Shaheen Afridi after the ODI World Cup, has faced increasing criticism.

Shaheen’s tenure was also short-lived, and Shan Masood's leadership in Test matches has come under scrutiny after a home series defeat to Bangladesh.

However, a source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed rumours of immediate captaincy changes, urging patience and the need to give both current captains time to settle into their roles.

Babar is set to officially resume his white-ball captaincy duties in November when Pakistan faces Australia in a series of ODIs and T20Is.

As discussions about leadership continue, Basit Ali’s endorsement of Rizwan has added fuel to the ongoing debate about Pakistan’s future direction. Fans and former cricketers remain divided over the prospect of Rizwan taking over from Babar.