Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has said that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are no longer pivotal to Pakistan cricket, adding that players like Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz are currently more deserving of the title “key players.” His remarks have ignited a major debate among fans and analysts about the team’s future and the balance between experience and youth.
Hafeez Questions Babar and Rizwan’s Current Impact
Speaking on a local YouTube channel on Friday, Hafeez was highly critical of the duo’s performances over the last 18 months. He explained that while Babar and Rizwan had played vital roles in the past, their inability to deliver match-winning knocks recently has raised doubts about their status.
“Calling them key players would be wrong and unfair,” Hafeez said. “Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not Pakistan cricket’s key players at the moment. Key players are those who win matches for Pakistan.”
He added that the two batsmen must focus on reclaiming their impact by proving themselves again. “I think Babar and Rizwan need to be concerned about their positions in the team. They need to prove themselves as good players first; key players come later,” Hafeez stressed.
Salman Ali Agha and Emerging Stars Taking Spotlight
Hafeez praised middle-order batsman Salman Ali Agha, who has shown consistency across formats. According to the former skipper, Salman is currently more deserving of recognition than Babar or Rizwan. He also highlighted Saim Ayub’s fearless batting style and Hasan Nawaz’s promise as proof that Pakistan’s next generation of cricketers is ready to step up.
“These players are the ones actually winning matches for Pakistan,” Hafeez remarked, underscoring his belief that the future lies with youth who can contribute for the next decade.
Criticism of Pakistan’s Pace Duo
Hafeez didn’t limit his critique to batting alone. He also turned his attention to Pakistan’s pace spearheads, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, arguing that they too have failed to produce consistent match-winning spells.
“Both need to be fully involved in the game, otherwise results won’t come,” Hafeez stated. “Shaheen and Naseem are talented, but talent alone does not guarantee victories. Pakistan needs performances, not just big names.”
Call for Long-Term Planning
The former all-rounder urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to look beyond short-term results and focus on players who can sustain success for the next 10–15 years. He expressed concern that the media often hypes one or two players while ignoring those who are consistently delivering.
“We should focus on players who can contribute for the next 10–15 years,” Hafeez said. “Our media criticises one or two players and hypes one or two others, which is wrong. We need to talk about those who are actually performing.”
This reflects Hafeez’s broader vision of building a long-term strategy rather than relying on a few established names.
Criticism of PR Over Performance
In another strong statement, Hafeez accused certain players of prioritising personal branding and PR campaigns on social media over improving their cricketing skills. He warned that if this trend continues, Pakistan cricket’s progress will stall.
“If we want to improve Pakistan cricket, those in the AC rooms and those executing plans on the ground must address these issues promptly,” Hafeez concluded.
Fan Reactions and Broader Debate
Hafeez’s remarks quickly spread across social media, sparking heated debates. Some fans defended Babar and Rizwan, citing their track records as top-ranked batsmen in world cricket. Others, however, agreed with Hafeez, acknowledging that newer names like Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub are currently carrying the team.
Cricket experts also offered mixed opinions. While many agreed that Babar and Rizwan need to adapt to modern demands, they also cautioned that experience should not be sidelined. Analysts stressed that Pakistan’s best chance at success lies in finding the right balance between senior players and emerging talent.
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The Bigger Picture
The statement from the former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, saying Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are no longer pivotal, comes at a time when the team is under pressure to perform consistently on the global stage. With the T20 World Cup and major ICC events ahead, Pakistan’s strategy will be tested.
If Hafeez’s assessment proves correct, Pakistan may need to reimagine its batting order and bowling combinations. Whether Babar and Rizwan bounce back or newer stars truly take charge remains to be seen.
