In a significant move, Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz has been left out of the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation T20I tournament featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The 23-year-old’s recent poor form against South Africa forced selectors to make the decision.
Despite being given opportunities in both formats, Nawaz struggled to produce meaningful contributions. The PCB has indicated that he will return to domestic cricket to play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, aiming to regain form and confidence.
Fakhar Zaman has been recalled to replace him in the T20I squad, although no direct replacement has been announced in the ODI side.
Nawaz had initially emerged as a prodigious talent in March 2024 when he hit a breathtaking 105 off 45 balls against New Zealand in Auckland. The innings, full of audacious strokes, made him an instant star. Expectations were high, yet his form nosedived soon after. In 25 T20I matches, he has managed only two fifties and has been dismissed for a duck five times in his first ten innings.
Earlier this year, he impressed in the PSL, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer and helping Quetta Gladiators to reach the final. His 76-run knock in the final, despite ending in defeat, highlighted his potential.
Yet his inconsistency has become a concern. He was dropped from the Asia Cup side and his ODI stats remain modest — 56 runs from four matches at an average of 14. Against South Africa, he was dismissed in a questionable fashion, raising doubts about his situational awareness. His T20I record has also suffered, with just one double-figure score in his last eight innings.
The ODI series against Sri Lanka begins on 11 November, followed by the Tri-Nation T20I Series starting 17 November. The T20 event will be the first multi-nation tournament held in Pakistan.
Selectors insist Nawaz is still part of the long-term vision for Pakistan cricket but needs to rediscover his touch at the domestic level before returning to international action.