Pakistan’s ODI squad has been under fire following their dismal performances in the ongoing international circuit. The team was virtually eliminated from the ICC Champions Trophy after suffering consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India. Their historical record against India in ICC events now stands at a staggering 4 wins in 22 matches, highlighting their continued struggles on the big stage.
The current squad selection has raised numerous questions, with many players failing to deliver when it matters the most. Several players have been given ample opportunities but have consistently underperformed, either due to lack of form, fitness issues, or poor attitude. Here, we analyze five Pakistani cricketers who do not deserve to be in the current ODI squad based on their recent performances and overall contribution to the team.
1) Babar Azam – The Fallen Star
Once hailed as Pakistan’s most reliable batter, Babar Azam has witnessed a concerning decline in both form and intent. After stepping down from captaincy, Babar seems to have lost his hunger to dominate opposition bowlers. His fitness has also become a concern, as he has visibly put on weight, affecting his agility and stroke-making ability.
In 2025, Babar has played five ODIs and managed to score only 149 runs. What’s even more alarming is that 64 of those runs came in a single innings, which means he has contributed just 85 runs in the other four matches combined. This lack of consistency and impact raises serious doubts about his place in the squad. A player of his stature and experience should be leading from the front, but instead, he has become a liability in the middle order.
2) Mohammad Rizwan – A Weak Leader and Underperformer
Mohammad Rizwan’s inclusion in the ODI squad is highly questionable, especially given his recent performances and tactical shortcomings. He was handed the responsibility of leading the team after Babar’s resignation, but his captaincy has been far from convincing. Rizwan has struggled to make impactful decisions, especially in crucial moments of the game. His inability to handle pressure situations has been evident in the ICC Champions Trophy matches.
As a batter, Rizwan has failed to provide stability when the team needed him the most. Walking in after two early wickets, he has been guilty of playing far too many dot balls, ultimately increasing pressure on the lower middle order. Moreover, his slow approach in the middle overs has hurt Pakistan’s chances of setting up competitive totals. His failure to manage bowling changes effectively has further exposed his weaknesses as a leader. Rizwan, at best, is a very average captain and has done little to justify his place in the playing XI.
3) Tayyab Tahir – The Uninspiring Middle-Order Batter
Tayyab Tahir was brought into the squad as part of Pakistan’s “new regime,” but he has failed to live up to expectations. At 31 years old, he was expected to bring stability and experience to the middle order, but his performances have been nothing short of disappointing. In eight ODIs, Tayyab has managed only 134 runs without a single fifty or hundred. This is an alarming statistic for a player who was meant to reinforce the batting lineup. His lack of adaptability and inability to handle pressure situations make him an undeserving candidate for the ODI squad. Pakistan has plenty of young, promising batters waiting for an opportunity, and it is high time the selectors move on from underperforming players like Tayyab Tahir.
4) Haris Rauf – The Run-Leaking Specialist
Haris Rauf was once regarded as Pakistan’s go-to strike bowler in white-ball cricket, but his recent performances have painted a different picture. He has been consistently leaking runs without picking up crucial wickets, making him a major liability in the bowling attack.
In 2024, Rauf played eight ODIs and picked up 13 wickets. However, a closer look at his stats reveals that five of those wickets came in a single match, meaning he was largely ineffective in the other games. In 2025, his performances have worsened—he has played three ODIs and taken only three wickets while conceding runs at an alarming economy of 7.00.
A fast bowler’s primary role is to either take wickets or contain the flow of runs, and Haris has failed to do both. With younger, more disciplined bowlers available, it is difficult to justify his continued presence in the squad.
5) Shaheen Shah Afridi – The Inconsistent Performer
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s case is different from the rest. Statistically, he has performed decently, but his attitude and internal conflicts have severely impacted team morale. Reports suggest that he is not on great terms with Babar Azam, and with Rizwan acting as a middle ground, this ongoing internal rift has undoubtedly affected Pakistan’s overall performance.
Afridi’s inconsistency is another pressing concern. While he has produced moments of brilliance, his inability to maintain rhythm across tournaments has hurt the team. A player of his caliber should be spearheading the bowling attack with authority, but instead, his unpredictable form makes him a questionable choice.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Need for a Revamp
Pakistan’s ODI squad needs an urgent revamp if they wish to compete at the highest level. The players mentioned above have been given enough opportunities but have failed to make an impact. The selection committee needs to adopt a fresh approach and introduce young, hungry cricketers who can bring energy and intent to the team.
Pakistan has a history of unearthing raw talent, and the current domestic circuit is filled with potential stars who are waiting for their chance. Instead of persisting with underperforming players, the management must take bold calls and invest in the future. The ICC Champions Trophy debacle should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan cricket.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s ODI struggles are not just about individual failures but also about poor team dynamics, weak leadership, and selection blunders. The five players mentioned above have contributed significantly to the team’s downfall, either through their poor form, questionable fitness, or ineffective leadership. Moving forward, Pakistan must make tough decisions and focus on rebuilding a squad that can compete against the best in the world.
With the 2027 Cricket World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan needs a team that is fit, mentally strong, and tactically sound. The sooner they address these issues, the better their chances of returning to their former glory. Until then, it remains to be seen whether the selectors will finally acknowledge these concerns and make the necessary changes.