Pakistan Drop Hasan Nawaz for ODI and T20I Series

Pakistan have decided to leave out batter Hasan Nawaz from their squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series later this month. Instead of joining the national team, Nawaz has been sent to play in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His omission marks a significant change in selection, given his once-promising rise as one of Pakistan’s most exciting young talents.

The selectors have not named any replacement for Hasan Nawaz in the ODI squad, but Fakhar Zaman has been called up to replace him in the T20I squad. This decision indicates the selectors’ preference for experienced players as Pakistan prepare for a busy month of international cricket.

Hasan Nawaz first gained attention when he scored a match-winning T20I century against New Zealand at Eden Park earlier this year in March. The powerful right-hander quickly earned a reputation as one of Pakistan’s most dangerous middle-order hitters, especially during the later stages of innings.

Because of this ability, he was given an extended run in the national side, even after struggling to perform consistently. In his first ten T20Is, he scored five ducks, showing signs of inexperience but flashes of great potential.

Nawaz’s stock rose further during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he helped Quetta Gladiators reach the final. He ended the tournament as the third-highest run-scorer with an impressive strike rate of over 162. His ability to hit sixes at will made him a fan favorite and earned him comparisons with some of Pakistan’s best modern strikers.

However, over the past two months, Hasan Nawaz’s performances have declined. During the Asia Cup, he was dropped from the later matches for Hussain Talat, a less aggressive but more consistent batter. This move suggested the team management was losing confidence in his temperament and decision-making at the crease.

In ODIs, Nawaz has played only four matches so far, three of them against the West Indies in August, averaging an impressive 56.33. But one reckless dismissal against spinner George Linde, when he charged down the track and was stumped, raised questions about his match awareness.

His recent form in T20Is has also been disappointing. In his last eight games, he has reached double figures only once and has an average of less than seven. Such poor numbers, despite his striking ability, have made it difficult for selectors to justify his inclusion in the squad.

Pakistan will begin their upcoming international series with three ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting on November 11. After that, they will host a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, beginning on November 17. This event will mark the first-ever multi-team T20I tournament held in Pakistan, making it an important opportunity for new and experienced players alike.

The ODI squad for Pakistan includes:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.

The T20I tri-series squad features:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

The selectors’ decision to send Hasan Nawaz to domestic cricket suggests that the team management wants him to regain form and confidence in local competitions. Playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy could help him work on his shot selection and build innings under pressure.

With Fakhar Zaman’s return, Pakistan gains an experienced top-order option, while young players like Saim Ayub and Usman Khan will look to make an impact in limited-overs cricket.

Even though Hasan Nawaz’s immediate future with the national team looks uncertain, he remains one of Pakistan’s most talented young batters. A strong showing in domestic cricket could bring him back into contention soon. The selectors have indicated that his potential and power-hitting skills are still valued, but consistency and better decision-making will be key for his comeback.