Ex-Captain: Babar, Rizwan No Longer Key Players as Hafeez questions their form. Discover why Pakistan’s star duo face scrutiny in 2025 cricket
Pakistan cricket has once again found itself at the center of a heated debate following a statement from former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who openly criticized the recent performances of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The former skipper declared that both players are currently not Pakistan’s key performers, sparking discussions across the cricketing fraternity. Hafeez’s remarks, delivered during an appearance on a local YouTube channel, shed light on the growing concerns regarding the consistency and impact of senior players in the national side.
Ex-Captain on Babar Rizwan: Why They Are No Longer Key Players
Hafeez’s comments have drawn widespread attention as he emphasized that key players should be defined by their ability to deliver match-winning performances, something he believes both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have failed to do in recent years. According to him, calling them “key players” would be inaccurate and unfair given the lack of decisive contributions. “Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not Pakistan cricket’s key players at the moment. Key players are those who win matches for the national team,” Hafeez explained, stressing that performances from 2023 onwards have not matched expectations. He further identified other emerging talents such as Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz, who, in his view, are the ones truly making an impact for Pakistan.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Recent Form Under Scrutiny
Over the last year and a half, both Babar and Rizwan have faced criticism for not producing enough match-winning innings, particularly in high-pressure encounters. While both remain among Pakistan’s most technically sound batters, their inability to dominate oppositions in crunch moments has raised questions about their effectiveness. Hafeez underlined that the two need to justify their places in the playing XI, stating: “I think Babar and Rizwan need to be concerned about their positions in the team. They need to prove themselves as good players first; being key players comes later. Both were good in the past, but at present, they are not delivering results.” These remarks highlight an ongoing debate within Pakistan cricket about whether reliance on established stars has hindered opportunities for younger, in-form players.
Why Babar Azam and Rizwan Are No Longer Considered Pakistan’s Key Players
The criticism directed towards Babar and Rizwan is rooted in their perceived lack of influence during pivotal games. Pakistan’s inconsistent results in international competitions have placed added pressure on senior players to perform, but Hafeez argues that they have fallen short of expectations. Hafeez contrasted their output with that of Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz — players who, according to him, have shown the determination and match-winning temperament required at the international level. “They are the current players winning matches for Pakistan,” Hafeez remarked, reinforcing the idea that the definition of ‘key player’ must evolve based on performance, not reputation.
Ex-Captain Statement on Babar and Rizwan Performance
The former captain did not limit his criticism to just Babar and Rizwan. He also called out Pakistan’s pace duo, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, urging them to demonstrate more match-winning involvement. “Both need to be fully involved in the game, otherwise results won’t come,” Hafeez stated, adding that Pakistan cricket cannot afford big names who are not delivering consistent results. Hafeez’s evaluation was blunt yet precise, focusing on the team’s need for reliable contributors rather than players with reputations built on past achievements.
Ex-Captain: Babar and Rizwan No Longer Key Players: Need for Long-Term Performers
In his analysis, Hafeez highlighted the necessity of preparing players who can contribute consistently for the next 10–15 years. He warned against the overhyping of certain individuals while neglecting the genuine performers in the squad. According to him, media narratives often elevate one or two players while sidelining others, creating an imbalance in recognition. “We should focus on players who can contribute for the next decade,” 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 statement resonates strongly with Pakistan cricket’s ongoing rebuilding process, especially following a series of underwhelming performances in recent tournaments.
Babar Rizwan Criticism and Calls for Justification of Selection
The recurring theme in Hafeez’s criticism is the idea that reputations cannot justify continued selection in the national team. He suggested that both Babar and Rizwan must not only regain form but also prove their ability to turn matches in Pakistan’s favor. “They need to prove themselves as good players first,” he repeated, hinting that younger talent should not be sidelined for underperforming seniors. Hafeez’s assessment reflects broader concerns within Pakistan cricket circles — whether the team is prioritizing established names over emerging performers. His comments add weight to calls for performance-based selections rather than decisions influenced by seniority or past records.
Babar Rizwan Dropped T20I Squad Context
The debate around Babar and Rizwan’s current standing also gained momentum when discussions emerged about potential reshuffles in Pakistan’s T20I squad. Although neither has been officially dropped as of now, reports of selection committee deliberations have fueled speculation regarding their future roles. With Mike Hesson’s involvement in team management, the possibility of lineup adjustments has become a talking point among fans and experts alike. The issue is not merely about individual form but about aligning the team’s overall strategy to prepare for upcoming international assignments. Consistency, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure are becoming the defining factors for continued inclusion in Pakistan’s playing XI.
Media Reactions and Public Discussions
Hafeez’s comments sparked widespread debate across mainstream and social media platforms. Cricket analysts, former players, and fans have engaged in conversations around whether the criticism is justified or overly harsh. While some support the view that younger players deserve more chances, others believe that Babar and Rizwan’s proven records cannot be overlooked. The discussion has also brought attention to a recurring theme in Pakistan cricket: the balance between giving opportunities to rising talent and relying on experienced players. Media outlets covering Pakistan cricket news continue to track developments around the duo’s future, making this one of the most widely discussed topics in recent weeks.
Future of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan Cricket
Looking ahead, the challenge for both players will be to silence critics through on-field performances. With Pakistan set to participate in key bilateral series and international tournaments, their form will be closely scrutinized. Analysts suggest that the upcoming fixtures could prove decisive for their future roles in the national setup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also faces the responsibility of ensuring a fair selection process while balancing experience and youth. If Hafeez’s recommendations are considered, the emphasis will shift towards players delivering consistent match-winning performances regardless of seniority.
Conclusion – Ex-Captain: Babar and Rizwan No Longer Key Players
The statement from former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez declaring that “Babar, Rizwan are no longer key players” has reignited debates about performance standards and merit-based selection in Pakistan cricket. By questioning their recent form and emphasizing the emergence of younger talents like Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz, Hafeez has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics within the national team. For Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the path forward requires not just returning to form but proving their value as match-winners. As Pakistan cricket navigates its future, the emphasis will likely remain on consistent performers capable of shaping results, regardless of reputation or past accola.Rea
