A generational shift seems to be quietly taking shape in Pakistan cricket, and if recent developments are anything to go by, it could spell the end of an era for two of the team’s biggest names: Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
While there’s been no official word from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources suggest that selectors are gearing up for bold changes ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. And at the heart of this shift is a new name that’s starting to gain momentum: Rohail Nazir.
The New Face Behind the Stumps?
With Mohammad Haris putting in a standout performance against Bangladesh, and Rizwan sitting on the sidelines, the door has quietly creaked open for Rohail Nazir.
Long viewed as a promising wicketkeeper-batter but one who never quite got a consistent run, Rohail may finally get his chance to shine in Pakistan colours again—this time as a potential starter in the shortest format.
Selectors, sources say, have reached a consensus: Rohail will be given a shot in the T20Is against Bangladesh and West Indies. It’s a vote of confidence in a player they believe can anchor a new-look side as Pakistan eyes the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What About Rizwan and Babar?
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Speculation is swirling that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan could be rested—or perhaps quietly benched—for the next six months.
Insiders hint that their next appearance for the national side might not come until the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle begins in November against South Africa. If true, it signals a dramatic pivot from the team’s recent past—one that was built around the Babar-Rizwan duo at the top of the order.
What’s Happening With the Bowling Department?
While batting transitions are grabbing the headlines, Pakistan’s pace battery isn’t without its own concerns. Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, two key pacers, are still in recovery mode and will miss the upcoming tours.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Ali Raza, the 17-year-old who turned heads in PSL 10, has been sidelined due to an eye condition that hampers his vision under floodlights. The PCB isn’t giving up on him, though—he’s expected to be groomed through the Pakistan Shaheens pathway and will consult specialists in the meantime.
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