Rizwan’s T20I Future in Doubt as Pakistan Eyes Transition
Pakistan cricket is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of Mike Hesson, with notable shifts in team selection and strategy. At the center of this evolution is the uncertain T20I future of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Once a fixture in the shortest format, Rizwan now finds himself on the verge of being sidelined. According to local reports, the selectors are strongly considering giving young wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir a consistent run in upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. With Mohammad Haris already integrated into the setup, the shift points to a broader revamp ahead of the next T20 World Cup cycle.
Rohail Nazir, a former U-19 captain with a solid domestic record, is being seen as a better fit for Pakistan’s desired aggressive brand of cricket. Although he has only played three T20Is for the national team, his selection is being framed as a long-term investment. If these changes are confirmed, it would mark a significant pause—if not an end—to Rizwan’s role in T20Is.
READ MORE:
Budget 2025-26 Poses Grave Threat to Pakistan’s IT Sector: P@SHA
At 33, Rizwan has been a reliable presence in Pakistan’s T20I top order, forming a formidable opening duo with Babar Azam. However, with both senior players now out of favor, the selectors are keen to inject youthful energy and intent into the squad.
While neither Rizwan nor Babar has officially been excluded from future T20 plans, insiders suggest their return is “not just difficult, but nearly impossible” in the short term. Pakistan has reportedly converted its scheduled ODIs against the West Indies into T20Is, further signaling the start of a new era. Rizwan’s next likely opportunity at international cricket may come during Pakistan’s red-ball series against South Africa in November, where his experience still holds value.
The selectors’ preference is now clearly tilted towards dynamic players who can make an impact from the first ball. For Rizwan, this marks a critical juncture in his international career. Having been named in the ICC T20I Team of the Year not long ago, he now faces the possibility of being out of the format altogether.
As Rohail Nazir prepares to step up, the message from Pakistan’s cricketing hierarchy is unmistakable: the era of transition is here. Whether Rizwan can reclaim his position will depend not only on his performances but also on how effectively the new generation handles pressure.
