The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest T20I player rankings, bringing a mix of disappointments and breakthroughs for Pakistan. Former skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have seen their rankings slip, falling outside the coveted top 10 list, while young talents like Mohammad Haris and Hassan Nawaz have surged ahead with impressive performances.
According to the latest update by the ICC, Babar Azam has dropped three places to 12th, while Mohammad Rizwan has slipped one spot to 13th in the T20I batting rankings. The demotion marks a significant moment for both players, especially for Babar, who has long been a regular fixture in the top 10.
The rankings reshuffle follows Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Bangladesh, where the senior batters failed to make a significant impact. On the other hand, it was an opportunity for the emerging stars to shine—and they did.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has been rewarded for his explosive batting against Bangladesh, climbing rapidly to 30th position in the rankings. Haris, known for his aggressive stroke play, was instrumental in Pakistan’s wins during the series and is being widely praised for adding firepower to the top order.
Young batter Hassan Nawaz also made a major leap in the rankings and now sits at 45th. He was followed by Saim Ayub, who climbed to 61st, and national T20 captain Salman Agha, who moved up to 76th. The rise of these young batters reflects the changing dynamics of Pakistan’s T20 setup, with a fresh generation stepping into the spotlight.
In contrast, the bowling department offered mixed results for Pakistan. No Pakistani bowler features in the top 10 T20I bowlers list. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy continues to lead the chart, followed by West Indies’ spinner Akeal Hosein and India’s Varun Chakravarthy.
Among Pakistan’s top bowlers, Haris Rauf has dropped two places to 20th, while left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi fell five spots and now sits at 36th. However, there was good news for young pacer Abbas Afridi, who climbed an impressive 18 positions to reach 21st. Abbas has been consistently improving and is now viewed as a promising fast-bowling asset for the national side.
The latest rankings highlight the evolving nature of international cricket and underline the transition taking place within Pakistan’s T20 squad. While veterans like Babar and Rizwan face increasing pressure to maintain their form, young talents are seizing their chances and pushing for long-term roles in the national team.
Meanwhile, at the top of the T20I batting rankings, Australia’s Travis Head has claimed the No. 1 spot following his stellar form. India’s Abhishek Sharma sits at No. 2, while England’s Phil Salt is ranked third. These three continue to dominate the format with their consistent and match-winning performances.
The latest ICC update is not only a reflection of individual performances but also offers a glimpse into the future of Pakistan’s T20 cricket. With the ICC T20 World Cup approaching next year, the emphasis is expected to shift further towards form, fitness, and adaptability.
While questions remain over the current form of senior players, the rise of youngsters like Haris and Hassan Nawaz offers hope and excitement for Pakistan cricket fans. With selection dynamics evolving rapidly, it’s clear that consistent performance—rather than reputation—will dictate future roles in the squad.
