Pakistan Cricket Team’s Bold New Era After Babar and Rizwan Era

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have consistently disappointed Pakistan cricket fans in recent years, particularly during major tournaments. In the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar’s slow batting became a glaring problem. For instance, in the high-stakes match against India, he managed only 20 runs off 25 balls.

His inability to pick up the pace stalled Pakistan’s momentum at a critical moment, leaving the team with a below-par total. Rizwan didn’t fare much better. He struggled to provide solid starts, often getting dismissed early.

In two key games during the tournament, he scored in single digits, collapsing under pressure and exposing the middle order too soon. SportsTak highlighted Babar’s strike rate of just 110.5 throughout the T20 World Cup, a figure far too low for a top-order batter expected to set the tone.

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The struggles continued into the Champions Trophy. Babar was dismissed for a mere 15 runs against New Zealand, unable to anchor the innings when the team needed him most. Rizwan followed suit, scoring only 22 runs against India before getting out, failing to hold the batting lineup together.

The Guardian pointed out that their repeated failures placed an unfair burden on the rest of the squad, especially the younger, less experienced players who were forced to step up. These poor performances in big matches didn’t just cost Pakistan victories—they also hurt the team’s morale.

Plans to Give Youngsters a Chance

Pakistan’s cricket management has decided it’s time to shift focus and invest in the next generation of players to rebuild the team. For the upcoming New Zealand series, they’ve brought in promising talents like Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad, signalling a clear intent to shake things up.

Hasan Nawaz, a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has been turning heads in domestic cricket. In the most recent Pakistan Cup, he racked up over 400 runs with an impressive strike rate above 140. His aggressive approach at the crease makes him an exciting prospect for a team looking to play bolder cricket. India was also in such a situation when Zimbabwe beat India in Harare in the 1st t20 match on their tour.

Then there’s Abdul Samad, a powerful hitter who lit up the National T20 Cup with three consecutive fifties. Known for clearing boundaries with ease, he brings much-needed firepower to the lower order, an area where Pakistan has often lacked punch.

Return of Mohd.Hafeez

To support these young stars, the team is also banking on the return of Mohammad Hafeez. At 44, Hafeez offers a wealth of experience, having played over 100 T20 Internationals. His calm presence and leadership could be key in helping the youngsters settle into the international stage.

Another bright spot is Khushdil Shah, who adds versatility to the squad. Khushdil is a hard-hitting batter capable of smashing big sixes late in the innings, and he also bowls handy left-arm spin, giving the team extra options. The management’s plan is clear: build a fearless lineup that blends youthful energy with seasoned guidance.

By giving these players a chance now, Pakistan hopes to create a strong foundation for the future, moving away from relying solely on the same old names. This approach isn’t just about winning the New Zealand series—it’s about preparing a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

What to Expect in the Future?

Looking ahead, Pakistan is gearing up for the next T20 World Cup with a fresh mindset and a new game plan. The days of cautious, defensive cricket are over—the team wants to play bold, attacking cricket in every match. This means encouraging batters to take risks early on, aiming for big scores rather than just playing it safe.

Young players like Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad will be at the heart of this shift, getting more opportunities to showcase their skills and prove they belong on the big stage. Leading the charge could be Shadab Khan, who is tipped to take over as captain.

Shadab brings a dynamic energy to the team, both with his all-round abilities and his sharp tactical mind. His positive attitude might be the spark Pakistan needs to rally the squad.

A Hard Period for Pakistan Cricket

But it won’t be smooth sailing. The team still faces significant challenges, particularly with batting depth and fielding. In past tournaments, dropped catches and sloppy ground fielding have cost them dearly, letting winnable games slip away.

To address this, the management plans to prioritize fitness and intensive fielding drills in training. Improving these areas will be crucial if Pakistan wants to compete with the best. The upcoming New Zealand series will serve as an early test of this new approach. It’s a chance to experiment with the lineup, refine strategies, and build confidence.

A strong showing against New Zealand could set a positive tone and lift the team’s spirits heading into the World Cup preparations. Fans are hopeful that this revamped strategy—focused on aggression, youth, and fixing old weaknesses—will bring back the glory days of Pakistan T20 cricket and make them a force to be reckoned with once again.