“Saim Ayub is failing because he tries to do something extra when he bats”: Yasir Hameed

[Ball Blazer]

In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan batter and ex-selector Yasir Hameed dissects Pakistan’s narrow win over Bangladesh. The Peshawar-born cricketer breaks down Saim Ayub’s technical flaws, explains Mohammad Haris’ struggles, assesses pressure on captain Salman Ali Agha, and delivers a strong message on the politicization of India-Pakistan matches.

Key Batting Analysis​

• Mohammad Haris: Hameed said Haris is trying to do “extra” and must refocus on basics and play longer innings. He stressed runs matter most. He criticized management for moving Haris from the top order to No. 6-7.
• Hasan Nawaz & Hussain Talat: He called benching Hasan after one poor outing “harsh” and criticized Talat’s “soft dismissal” on a wide short ball, urging better shot selection.
• Salman Ali Agha: Hameed said Agha is better suited to longer formats and his appointment as T20 captain was a surprise. Expecting too much hurt both his batting and leadership. He added dropping Agha entirely after losing captaincy was “wrong.”

Technique, Tactics & Approach​

Hameed emphasized calculated innings over slogging—start steady, then accelerate—citing Tilak Varma as a model. He warned that modern left/right batting rotations need simple plans or they “backfire.”

Bowling as Pakistan’s Strength​

He credited Shaheen Afridi for setting the tone with early wickets and tight lengths. But he highlighted the lack of a new-ball partner, saying Faheem Ashraf releases pressure. He suggested Hasan Ali, whose ball “cuts and kicks” on Dubai pitches, should have played.

India Final Outlook​

Hameed said Pakistan’s batsmen must push limits and post 160–180 runs, since India won’t crumble like Bangladesh. Yet, he stayed optimistic, recalling Pakistan’s history of starting as “underdogs” before winning big tournaments.

Politicization of Cricket​

On the Suryakumar handshake row, Hameed admitted cricket is becoming “politicized” on both sides. He urged players and fans to be accountable, remain humble, and preserve cricket’s spirit.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[MenInG]

I am very concerned about the role of the batting coach for Saim. Else, he is simply ignoring them and doing what he wants.

 

[BouncerGuy]

People outside know that there are issues, and they are pointing it out as well, like Yasir did here but what is PCB management doing... Why are they failing to notice and fix the issues.... incompetent they are??

 

[Kriketer]

Guy has so much potential but keeps miserably failing. He's lucky that Pak cricket has given his failures such a long run, or else they used to axe openers after a few failures regularly. Hope he comes good before it's too late

 

[zahid01]

He is simply out of form lacks confidence he's been badly managed when something is broken if you keep using it gets worse he needed to be rested for few games that is why you have a squad of players because their selection has been so poor they have no one to bring in

 

[AZulfi]

Seems low on confidence. His body language is not that of a confident batsman. Hence stuck in a rut.

 

[Ahmed216]

Too much T20 cricket under the clown administration has destroyed him

 

[pakistani pride]

Hameed said Pakistan’s batsmen must push limits and post 160–180 runs.
LOL - did he really say this?

 

[Savak]

Saim can't bat on UAE type wickets where the ball doesn't come on the bat that easily. Same problem as Fakhar Zaman

 

[pakistani pride]

Saim can't bat on UAE type wickets where the ball doesn't come on the bat that easily. Same problem as Fakhar Zaman

That can be the case, but he can use his brains and make sure he takes singles and rotates the strike, instead of hitting balls in the air first up.

 

[jnaveen1980]

They should let him grow in longer formats which will make him a better batsman in thelong run. If Pakistan desperately forces him to come good in T20 he will start failing in other formats as well. T20 is a form game. You cannot give "rope" in this format.