Former Pakistan captain and cricket analyst Hafeez Says Babar, Rizwan Not Pakistan’s Key Players Anymore His sharp comments have divided fans, experts, and ex-cricketers, reigniting discussions about Pakistan’s strategy, player form, and the team’s changing outlook in international cricket.
Hafeez Drops a Bombshell
Speaking during a media appearance, Hafeez argued that Pakistan cricket has moved on from the days when Babar and Rizwan were the sole match-winners. He believes the team can no longer afford to rely on just two players, especially after past disappointments in big tournaments. According to him, Pakistan’s strength lies in becoming a balanced unit where multiple players share responsibility.
His remarks come at a time when both Babar and Rizwan face mounting questions about their strike rates and ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in T20 cricket.
Why Hafeez Thinks Pakistan Must Change
Hafeez stressed that modern cricket is about collective performance, not individual brilliance. In his view, overburdening Babar and Rizwan has hurt both their form and team results.
Instead, he sees promise in Pakistan’s younger talents—like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed—who have started to shine on the big stage. For Hafeez, this is a sign that Pakistan can finally evolve into a team where everyone contributes, rather than depending on two batters to save the day.
Babar Azam’s Recent Struggles
Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s most celebrated batter, but his T20 strike rate has often raised eyebrows. While his ODI numbers stay strong, critics say his inability to accelerate in crunch moments has cost Pakistan key matches.
Supporters, however, argue that Babar’s consistency and ranking among the world’s best prove his value. They insist that expecting him to win games single-handedly is unfair, pointing out that he has been the backbone of an otherwise shaky batting lineup.X
Rizwan Under the Microscope
Mohammad Rizwan, known for his grit and fighting spirit, has also faced criticism for his cautious approach in T20s, especially during powerplays. Despite this, his partnership with Babar has been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting in recent years.
Fans note that Rizwan’s runs in tough conditions and across formats make him indispensable, but Hafeez’s remarks suggest the team must look beyond him as its only savior.
The Bigger Picture: Team Over Stars
Hafeez’s message was clear—Pakistan must stop pinning its hopes on two players. ICC tournaments have shown how vulnerable the team looks when Babar and Rizwan fail together. Instead, Hafeez wants a system where the middle order and bowlers also step up to share the responsibility.
This approach, he says, could help Pakistan avoid collapses and play with more freedom.
Fans Divided Over Hafeez’s Statement
Unsurprisingly, Hafeez’s comments sparked a storm on social media. Supporters of Babar and Rizwan slammed the remarks as disrespectful, reminding everyone of their years of consistency and match-winning performances. READ NEXT https://elevenpakistan.com/turkish-actress-fatima-bushra-quits-showbiz/
Others sided with Hafeez, arguing that Pakistan must adapt to modern cricket like India, England, and Australia—where multiple players take turns as match-winners.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan is in a transitional phase, with young stars like Saim Ayub and power-hitters like Iftikhar Ahmed adding depth to the squad. With Shaheen Afridi and other bowlers also proving match-winners, the pressure on Babar and Rizwan may finally ease.
If Hafeez’s advice is taken seriously, Pakistan could become a more balanced side where everyone contributes—and that, in turn, might allow Babar and Rizwan to play more freely.
Conclusion
Mohammad Hafeez’s bold claim that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are no longer Pakistan’s key players has certainly rattled the cricket world. Some see it as harsh criticism, while others call it a much-needed wake-up call.
One thing is clear: for Pakistan to succeed at the highest level, it needs to build a team where brilliance is shared—not carried by just two men.
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