Last Friday, Pakistan suffered a narrow 1-wicket loss to South Africa in Chennai, a result that left their semifinal qualification hopes in the World Cup hanging by a thread.
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After putting up 270 in the first innings, Pakistan struck at regular intervals in the second innings. However, Aiden Markram had put the Proteas on course for the chase with a superb 91. Once he was dismissed with 21 runs still required, the match swung back in Pakistan's favour. In the end, South Africa's last wicket pair of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj took them over the line.
The days since the result have been turbulent to say the least, and the drama took another turn on Sunday night.
"Inzamam-ul-Haq should resign immediately" - Basit Ali
On Sunday night, speaking on ARY News' program Har Lamha Purjosh, former Pakistan international Basit Ali reacted to some of the statements made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf in a recent interview.
MORE: What is the Babar Azam - PCB Chairman controversy?
Ashraf had raised concerns over the business agreements signed by members of the Pakistan team, implying that certain management companies had undue influence over the team. In response, Ali said,
He [Ashraf] has said something so big, which means that they [the management companies] are the ones selecting the team. When he says something so big about that agent, Taha, then he is one selecting the team. So Inzamam should resign instantly. Is there any need to even call him and talk to him?
After some back and forth discussions with the other panellists on the show, Ali also added that as the PCB chairman, Ashraf should not have revealed such suspicions publicly until they could have been confirmed by a full investigation from the board's end.
Ali had said earlier this week that Pakistan captain Babar Azam should step down from captaincy, implying that the pressure and drama around the administration of the team was inhibiting his performance.
MORE: 'Babar Azam should step down as captain' - Basit Ali
Who will win the 2023 World Cup?
India, Australia and South Africa are among the top five favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows:
| Team | Odds (Dafabet) |
|---|---|
| India | 2.15 |
| Australia | 5.00 |
| South Africa | 4.75 |
| New Zealand | 7.00 |
| Pakistan | 29.00 |
Think you know who will win the 2023 Cricket World Cup? Place your bets here with Dafabet!
