'Copy what India is doing': Former Pakistan batter wants PCB to follow BCCI's plan

In a candid message to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has suggested that Pakistan should take inspiration from India’s cricketing structure to elevate the nation's cricketing standards. 

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Former Pakistan cricketer wants PCB to learn from BCCI

In a video shared on YouTube, Basit Ali emphasized the importance of learning from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their strategic focus on strengthening the foundation of the game.

Basit Ali's comments come in the context of the upcoming Champions Cup, a One-Day tournament set to be held after Pakistan's Test series. He expressed concern that the PCB has often looked towards countries like England, Australia, and New Zealand for guidance but has overlooked the successful cricketing model of their neighboring country, India.

“Pakistan has copied the systems of England, Australia, and New Zealand. India is right next to us, please copy their system too. You need intelligence in copying as well. Just copy what India is doing," Basit Ali stated.

Basit Ali highlighted the BCCI’s focus on grassroots development and the importance of domestic tournaments in creating a robust talent pipeline. He pointed out that the Duleep Trophy, a domestic tournament in India, is about to begin, noting that it is a four-day tournament, unlike the limited-overs formats that dominate the cricketing landscape in Pakistan. 

“They are focused on making their base stronger, which is why they are so successful,” Ali continued. He argued that Pakistan could benefit significantly by implementing a similar approach, focusing on building a strong foundation through its domestic cricket structure rather than constantly altering strategies to match those of distant nations.

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Pakistan recently lost a Test match against Bangladesh in home conditions. It is the first time Pakistan lost a Test game to Bangladesh at home. After the loss, many former cricketers in Pakistan blamed the team management and the PCB, citing their lack of strategy. 

The Pakistan cricket team will play the second Test match against Bangladesh starting August 30. The match will be played in Rawalpindi.