"Jason Gillespie and Company had some issues with Mohammad Yousuf" - Basit Ali on the Pakistani legend quitting as national selector
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali believes that legendary batter Mohammad Yousuf resigned from the Men in Green's selection committee due to a disagreement with the team's red-ball coach Jason Gillespie. Yousuf relinquished his post on Sunday, September 29, citing personal reasons.
Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Basit reckoned that Yousuf's resignation wasn't due to personal reasons. He claimed that Gillespie may have played a role in the 50-year-old's exit.
Basit opined that Yousuf should now be appointed as Pakistan's batting coach for the upcoming three-match home Test series against England. He said:
"Asad Shafique is the only selector left now and I think he should be removed as well. It seems like Jason Gillespie and Company had some issues with Mohammad Yousuf, which is why he has resigned."
"He tweeted to announce that he has resigned as Pakistan's selector due to personal reasons. If there are any personal reasons, he should have also resigned from other positions. I may be wrong but I feel Yousuf could be the batting coach for the England series. He is a big name and should be appointed as the batting coach."
Mohammad Yousuf resigned from Pakistan's selection committee just six months after his appointment. During his tenure, the side suffered a group stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup and slumped to their maiden Test series loss to Bangladesh.
"I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players" - Mohammad Yousuf
While announcing his resignation, Mohammad Yousuf mentioned that it was an honor for him to be part of Pakistan's selection committee. He expressed his confidence in the talent of the country's players and wished them luck for their future assignments.
Yousuf wrote on the microblogging platform X:
"I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket. I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and Wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness."
The Test series opener between Pakistan and England will be played at Multan from October 7. The hosts have announced a 15-member squad for the 1st Test, which was Yousuf's final assignment.