KARACHI: During a one-day cricket tournament at the National Stadium, women cricket team and U-19 team selector Basit Ali slapped former international cricketer Mahmood Hamid during a domestic cricket tournament on Thursday. Earlier this week, Hamid had criticised the performances of the Pakistan international women cricket team and the Under-19 team. In an interview on Wednesday, former Test cricketer Basit Ali had threatened his critics with strong words. “I am giving everyone a final ultimatum,” he said, warning his opponents while speaking to the media during the women team’s training camp in Karachi. Cannot be tolerated Speaking to a private news channel, Hamid said that he was talking to someone when Basit Ali appeared out of nowhere and suddenly slapped him. “This is outrageous and cannot be tolerated. He could not stand criticism and this is how he reacts?” Hamid said. The former cricketer went on to say that Basit should be fired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his misbehaviour. “He is ruining the image of Pakistan cricket. I request PCB to remove him immediately. Look at the performances of our international women team and our junior teams. That is enough,” Hamid said. Answering a question on what he plans to do about the matter, Hamid said, “I will not stoop to Basit’s level. I will protest and raise my voice against his actions on all available platforms.” Strict action to be taken Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan met with Hamid after the incident. Criticising Basit’s behaviour, the PCB chairman said that the board will take strict action against him. “Basit should not have done this. This is extremely unethical,” Shahryar said. Criticism by former players Basit was also criticised by former players and critics after Pakistan women team’s 4-1 loss to New Zealand in the recent five-match ODI series. Complaints were also filed against him when he served as the batting consultant for the women cricket team, before assuming the role of head coach.