Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has advised Shan Masood, the current team captain, to change his batting position.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali recommended that Masood should stop batting at No. 3 and instead open the innings across all formats.

“Shan Masood sahab, stop playing at No. 3,” Ali said. “You should open the batting in all three formats. If you come at No. 3, you will harm yourself and Pakistan.”

Ali’s comments followed Masood’s recent press conference on Sunday, where the captain discussed his experiences with Yorkshire and mentioned playing with the Kookaburra ball in some County matches. This did not sit well with Ali, who felt that Masood should concentrate on the current challenges within the Pakistan team rather than drawing comparisons with Yorkshire.

“He gave an example of Yorkshire in his press conference,” Ali remarked. “You are the captain of Pakistan, not Yorkshire. Do not give their example; give examples of players of your country.”

Ali emphasised the importance of focusing on Pakistan’s talent, citing players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

He also pointed out the differences between pitches in England and Pakistan, advising Masood to concentrate on leading his team effectively.