In what seems to be a big Pakistan cricket team reshuffle, previous captain Babar Azam will not appear in any international game for the next six months. And even Mohammad Rizwan’s T20 future does not seem to be secure with selectors looking towards new names.
Rohail Nazir Rises as the Next Wicketkeeping Option
With Mohammad Haris putting in match-winning performances in the just-concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, Rizwan’s role has been put in question. Therefore, selectors are now considering assigning a prominent role to Rohail Nazir. The selectors are confirmed to have settled to try out Rohail in the next T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies.
This change might see Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan benched from the national team for a minimum of six months, particularly in T20 cricket.
Return Possible in November Test Series vs South Africa
Though both the senior players might be missing from white-ball cricket, their return could also be considered in Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa in November 2025. But the chances of them returning in T20 look highly unlikely at this juncture.
Selection Committee Faces Uncertainty Over Roles
Though important decisions were taken in the background, no formal word has been received by PCB about the status of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikandar Bakht, who had been present in recent selection meetings in Islamabad and Lahore.
As per the official PCB website, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema continue to serve on the national selection panel. Sources indicate that Sarfaraz and Sikandar have been unofficially assigned the duty of monitoring the selectors’ procedures and pleading the case for under-noticed players.
Mike Hesson, Aaqib Javed, and Salman Ali Agha Driving Key Decisions
The recent Lahore selection meetings show that Mike Hesson, Aaqib Javed, and Salman Ali Agha are taking pivotal positions in the decision-making procedure. In these meetings, there was a consensus on providing Rohail Nazir an opportunity in the T20 team.
Fitness Concerns Mount for Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal
Two of Pakistan’s pace spearheads, Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, are undergoing recovery from injuries. Both of them will likely take more time before they can return to full fitness, making them unavailable for the upcoming series.
Ali Raza Suffers Setback Due to Eye Condition
Young Peshawar Zalmi PSL player Ali Raza won’t be considered for the senior side at this point in time. The bright pacer is suffering from an eye issue that makes it difficult for him to see the ball properly under floodlights. An eye specialist appointment has already been arranged.
The PCB intends to groom Ali Raza in Pakistan Shaheens so he gets a chance to heal and adjust, taking extra care of his fitness and vision.
Official Confirmation of New Selectors Yet to Come
A PCB insider revealed that the formal confirmation of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikandar Bakht’s appointments is still pending. Meanwhile, Mike Hesson is back in New Zealand but is due to return to Karachi by July 7.
Training Camp for Bangladesh T20 Series Set to Kick Off on July 10
Preparations for the coming T20I series against Bangladesh will soon start, with a training camp ready to commence in Karachi on July 10.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Opens for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan cricket seems to be going through a transition period, with veteran players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan moving aside so selectors can look for new talent. The limelight currently falls on up-and-coming stars such as Rohail Nazir, who may serve as the face of the new stars in Pakistan’s changing cricket scene.