PAK vs ENG: 'If Mohammad Rizwan is...' - Basit Ali demands Babar Azam’s sacking with huge warning

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has surprised one and all as he claimed that the star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is the ideal man to replace Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

The rumors are swirling that Babar will step down from Pakistan’s white-ball captain soon, and Rizwan has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for the top job. The voices have been growing louder after the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter’s outstanding captaincy in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup tournament, where he is leading the Markhors.

Basit Ali backs Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white-ball captain

Well, the former Pakistan selector Basit Ali seems to have become a huge fan of Rizwan and his excellent leadership, backing the star gloveman to replace Babar Azam as the white-ball captain. Basit Ali said that Rizwan's capability to read the pitch is superb and none better than this, even with Babar and Test captain Shan Masood.

Furthermore, Basit Ali noted that Rizwan has shown that he has the best tactical acumen for a leadership role. He also said that Rizwan has the acumen to adapt and strategize according to pitch conditions, which he feels currently lacking in the Pakistan team’s leadership.

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him. He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can't do that. I am not even talking about Shan. If you don't make him captain at this time, then it is a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time you should make Rizwan the captain.”

Rizwan's captaincy in the Champions One-Day Cup winning hearts

Speaking about the Champions One-Day Cup game, the Stallions appeared to be in control when Babar Azam unleashed a flurry of five consecutive boundaries off Shahnawaz Dahani during the eighth over after Markhors set a modest target of 231.

The Stallions' score quickly surged to 47/1, putting them in a strong position to chase down the total against the Markhors side. However, Rizwan, displaying smart tactical acumen, decided to keep Dahani out of the attack for the remainder of the match.

The skipper opted for a varied bowling strategy, mixing spinners and pacers in an effort to disrupt the Stallions' momentum and get crucial breakthroughs. The turning point came when Naseem Shah dismissed Shan Masood, bringing the Markhors back into the game.

This crucial wicket triggered a collapse, as the Stallions were eventually bowled out for just 105 in 23.4 overs. The spin combination of Zahid Mahmood and Salman Ali Agha proved devastating, dismantling the Stallions' batting lineup to help Markhors record a commanding 126-run victory in their first game in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.

Notably, Pakistan will host England in a three-match Test series next month in October. They will be aiming to bounce back strongly after suffering a humiliating whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh earlier this month in a two-match Test series at home.