In this exclusive interview, Pakistan's Test and ODI centurion on debut, Abid Ali, discusses the ongoing crisis in Pakistan's batting lineup. The experienced opener delivers a frank assessment of the team's mentality post the West Indies series loss, the pressure on stars like Babar and Rizwan, the crucial role of domestic cricket, and much more.

 By Saj Sadiq (August 19, 2025)

Key revelations include:

• Batting mentality critique: "We have to love our batting a little"
  He emphasizes the need for Pakistan’s batsmen to develop more respect and patience for their wickets. Instead of playing hastily or carelessly, players should value their time at the crease and build innings thoughtfully, understanding that preserving their wicket is essential for team success.
• On reckless dismissals: "It's unfair for the team to give your own wicket"
  Abid strongly criticizes careless shot selection that leads to unnecessary losses of wickets. Such impulsive dismissals not only hurt the individual’s confidence but also put the team under pressure, making it difficult for the rest of the lineup to perform.
• Team dependency issue: "This is not the team of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan alone"
  This is a caution against relying too heavily on just the top two players. Success in cricket requires collective effort, and every player in the squad must contribute; otherwise, the team becomes vulnerable if those key players fail.
• Domestic cricket defence: "Temperament comes from domestic"
  He highlighted the importance of strong experience in domestic first-class cricket to develop mental toughness and temperament.
• Social media pressure: "We follow the same player, we catch him, we destroy him" He reflects on the toxic culture on social media, where players are heavily scrutinized and often unfairly criticized. The constant negative attention can erode confidence and adds an extra layer of pressure beyond the game itself.
• Path to improvement: "There should be equal unity"
  He emphasized that fostering unity and balance within the whole team is essential. Everyone must share responsibility and support each other equally to strengthen the team dynamic and performance.

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