Pakistan Change Its Colour: Bold Selection Shake-up

In a surprising and decisive move, Pakistan's cricket hierarchy has opted to drop star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the remaining Test matches against England. This decision signals a significant shift in selection philosophy, one that challenges the notion that individual stardom guarantees a permanent spot in the Test lineup.

The message is clear: wearing the Pakistan Test jersey demands more than talent—it requires unwavering commitment, respect for the five-day grind, and alignment with the broader team vision. While this move may seem drastic, it reflects an underlying recognition that Test cricket requires not just brilliance but consistency, intent, and long-term investment from its players.

In the short term, this decision could result in further setbacks on the field. Pakistan, already trailing in the series, may still struggle to match England’s intensity. However, the significance of this shake-up extends beyond immediate results. It hints at a larger cultural shift - one where reputations are no longer immune to scrutiny, and selection is rooted in merit rather than name recognition.

If managed well, this new approach could reshape Pakistan’s cricketing fundamentals, emphasizing quality over sentiment. It also suggests a commitment to building a sustainable production chain of cricketers, where emerging talents are rewarded, and complacency is no longer tolerated. The long road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but a future where the Test side reflects Pakistan’s best - both in skill and in attitude- appears more attainable than ever.

In a sport often resistant to change, such bold decisions require conviction and a willingness to bear short-term pain for long-term gain. Only time will tell whether this gamble pays off, but it undeniably marks a step towards accountability in Pakistan’s cricketing structure—a reminder that the Test shirt must be earned, not inherited.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan’s Prowess: A Symphony of Resurgence in World Cup 2019

Pakistan’s cricketing ethos thrives on improbability. Labeled a spent force barely a week ago, languishing in ninth place with a solitary win in five games, they have engineered a remarkable turnaround. Chasing their first victory in a daunting World Cup campaign, Pakistan faced New Zealand with the odds stacked high against them. The contest in Birmingham showcased not just their resilience but a masterclass in adaptability, flair, and raw determination.

New Zealand’s Oscillating Fortunes 

New Zealand, cruising at 83 for 5 by the 27th over, appeared destined for a sub-200 total. Yet Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham defied the script, orchestrating their side’s best-ever sixth-wicket World Cup stand. Neesham’s unbeaten 97 was a testament to discipline under duress, while de Grandhomme's brisk 64 injected much-needed tempo. Their partnership was an exercise in controlled aggression, lifting New Zealand to 237, a score that would test Pakistan’s fragile batting against a potent Kiwi bowling arsenal.

The Chase: Chaos and Composure 

Pakistan’s response began inauspiciously, losing openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq cheaply. Facing Trent Boult’s swing and Lockie Ferguson’s blistering pace, the situation demanded nerves of steel. Mohammad Hafeez, embodying the dichotomy of genius and folly, played and missed repeatedly, before being struck on the helmet.

Enter Babar Azam—the epitome of elegance and control. His innings was a study in batting as an art form, blending patience with precision. Navigating through probing short-pitched deliveries and relentless pressure, he crafted an unbeaten 101, punctuated by strokes of sublime beauty. Ably supported by Haris Sohail’s enterprising 68, the pair constructed a 126-run partnership that wrested the match from New Zealand’s grasp.

A Tactical Chess Game 

New Zealand's strategy hinged on relentless wicket-taking. Kane Williamson’s decision to introduce Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin early seemed astute as the ball gripped and turned. Yet, the absence of a specialist leg-spinner, Ish Sodhi, loomed large. Williamson himself struck to dismiss Hafeez, capitalizing on a lapse in judgment, but the lack of depth in the spin department allowed Haris to unleash calculated aggression.

The chase’s critical phase came in the middle overs, where Babar and Haris rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries. By the final 20 overs, the equation—110 runs with wickets in hand—was a mere formality for a team now brimming with belief.

Shaheen Afridi’s Fireworks 

Earlier, Shaheen Afridi delivered a spell for the ages. His first spell—4-2-8-2—obliterated New Zealand’s top order. His dismissal of Ross Taylor, an angled delivery that swung late, was a symphony of skill and strategy. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s diving one-handed catch, a moment of brilliance, underscored Pakistan’s heightened intensity in the field.

Afridi's youthful exuberance and Mohammad Amir’s precision were pivotal in pegging back New Zealand. Amir, who struck early to remove Martin Guptill, set the tone. Shadab Khan’s dismissal of Williamson, exploiting drift and bounce, was another masterstroke in Pakistan’s defensive tapestry.

Redemption for Sarfaraz 

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership came under intense scrutiny following Pakistan’s early tournament woes. His tactical nous in persisting with Afridi and his own brilliance behind the stumps silenced critics. The skipper’s resolve, tested by off-field controversies, shone as he marshalled his troops with aplomb.

The Broader Canvas 

This victory drew inevitable comparisons to Pakistan’s storied 1992 World Cup campaign. The parallels—struggles in the group stage, a resurgence against formidable opponents, and a charismatic leader—were uncanny. For Pakistan fans, the echoes of that fabled triumph stirred hope.

In the end, Babar’s century stood as the defining image of a contest that encapsulated the tournament’s unpredictability. His innings was not just a statistical milestone but a narrative of grit, grace, and unyielding belief. As the semi-finals loomed, Pakistan had transformed from also-rans to legitimate contenders, epitomizing cricket’s power to inspire and astonish.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar