- Joined
- Apr 13, 2025
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In this exclusive interview, Samit Patel, former England all-rounder and global T20 franchise veteran, shares his blunt assessment of England's T20 World Cup campaign, the Ashes lessons, India's dominance, and Pakistan cricket's deepest structural flaws. The 41-year-old, who has played in every major league worldwide, opens up about continuity, trust, and why Pakistan keeps getting it wrong.
Key revelations include:
• England's Ashes mistake: "We missed a trick in that first Test match" – Patel defends England’s performance, stating they played decent cricket but were simply outclassed by India in the semi-finals.
• India's separation: "India are a class apart" – He highlights that the Indian management backs their players consistently. Patel identifies India as being "a class apart" due to their immense depth and tactical clarity.
• Pakistan's core problem: "Don't be hasty. Give guys more chances" – Patel observes that Pakistan struggles because they don't trust their players enough and are too hasty in making changes.
• Babar Azam misused: "Pakistan used Babar totally wrong in that World Cup – Babar Azam, whom he believes was used incorrectly in the World Cup; Patel argues Babar should always bat at number three so others can play their roles around him.
• The Saim Ayub blueprint: "Build a team around Saim Ayub" – He strongly advocates for building the future team around young talent Saim Ayub.
• IPL auction hypocrisy: "Why put yourself in an auction then just pull out?" – Patel believes that once a player signs for a tournament, they should honor that commitment. He finds it confusing when players like Ben Duckett or Harry Brook enter the IPL auction only to pull out later.
• T20 league saturation? "Every country is going to want its league" – He does not believe the market is saturated, welcoming New Zealand’s move to start its own franchise league as it provides more exposure for players and coaches.
• Still playing at 41: "I still want to play one more year" – Patel, now 41, is currently in talks with English counties and aims to play at least one more year of professional and franchise cricket.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
• England's Ashes mistake: "We missed a trick in that first Test match" – Patel defends England’s performance, stating they played decent cricket but were simply outclassed by India in the semi-finals.
• India's separation: "India are a class apart" – He highlights that the Indian management backs their players consistently. Patel identifies India as being "a class apart" due to their immense depth and tactical clarity.
• Pakistan's core problem: "Don't be hasty. Give guys more chances" – Patel observes that Pakistan struggles because they don't trust their players enough and are too hasty in making changes.
• Babar Azam misused: "Pakistan used Babar totally wrong in that World Cup – Babar Azam, whom he believes was used incorrectly in the World Cup; Patel argues Babar should always bat at number three so others can play their roles around him.
• The Saim Ayub blueprint: "Build a team around Saim Ayub" – He strongly advocates for building the future team around young talent Saim Ayub.
• IPL auction hypocrisy: "Why put yourself in an auction then just pull out?" – Patel believes that once a player signs for a tournament, they should honor that commitment. He finds it confusing when players like Ben Duckett or Harry Brook enter the IPL auction only to pull out later.
• T20 league saturation? "Every country is going to want its league" – He does not believe the market is saturated, welcoming New Zealand’s move to start its own franchise league as it provides more exposure for players and coaches.
• Still playing at 41: "I still want to play one more year" – Patel, now 41, is currently in talks with English counties and aims to play at least one more year of professional and franchise cricket.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
