Pakistan cricket in 2024: A year of ups and downs

The year 2024 was a defining period for Pakistan's cricketing landscape, marked by a blend of triumphs, setbacks, and internal changes that shaped the national team’s journey across formats.

Pakistan's performance in Test, ODI, and T20 cricket not only displayed flashes of brilliance but also revealed underlying challenges, prompting reflection on team dynamics and management decisions.

Test cricket: A rocky start, a glorious comeback

Pakistan's Test campaign began with unexpected struggles. A demoralizing 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh exposed glaring issues within the squad, from inconsistent batting to vulnerable bowling.

This early setback led to widespread criticism, compelling the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reassess team strategies and make significant changes to personnel.

One of the most notable decisions was the appointment of former fast bowler Aqib Javed as chief selector-cum-mentor. Javed, with his wealth of experience, chose a bold approach, focusing on spin-friendly tracks and recalling overlooked spinners like Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.

His strategy paid off spectacularly when Pakistan staged a remarkable turnaround in the series against England, claiming a 2-1 victory after losing the first Test.

Noman and Sajid combined for 39 wickets, and the emergence of Kamran Ghulam, who scored a memorable century on debut, added a new dimension to the team’s strength.

However, this revival was marred by internal instability. The abrupt resignation of foreign coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie following the Bangladesh loss raised questions about PCB's management practices and team cohesion, further complicating the already challenging atmosphere.

ODI Cricket: Historic milestones and momentum

Pakistan’s greatest success in 2024 came in the One-Day International (ODI) format. The team’s performance in ODIs soared, particularly with the introduction of young talent from domestic cricket.

The inclusion of players like Irfan Khan Niazi, Tayyab Tahir, and Saim Ayub bolstered the squad’s depth and resilience, helping Pakistan achieve historic victories.

The crowning achievement came with Pakistan's first-ever ODI series win against Australia on their home turf in over two decades.

Australia, famous for their invincibility at home, were routed for just 140 in the series decider, their lowest total against Pakistan since 2002.

Haris Rauf's devastating pace and young talents such as Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were instrumental in this stunning win.

Pakistan continued their success with a dominant 3-0 series sweep over South Africa, showcasing their growing strength.

Mohammad Rizwan's calm and assertive captaincy, combined with key contributions from Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, made Pakistan a formidable force.

Saim Ayub's performances were a highlight, as he bagged the Player of the Series award with his impressive centuries and key wickets.

Yet, despite these notable successes, the team’s consistency remained a concern.

T20 Cricket: A year to forget

While Pakistan excelled in ODIs, their T20 performance in 2024 was far from satisfactory. The team’s failure to progress beyond the group stage in the ICC T20 World Cup was a major disappointment, capped by a shocking loss to the United States.

The defeat exposed flaws in Pakistan’s T20 strategy, including rigid batting orders and a lack of flexibility in adapting to diverse playing conditions.

The overreliance on star players and the absence of dynamic finishers further hampered their chances.

The World Cup failure prompted widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former cricketers, who called for sweeping changes.

The need for a more flexible and innovative approach in the shortest format became apparent, with many stressing the importance of developing new talent and building a more adaptable squad.

Looking ahead

Pakistan’s cricket journey in 2024 was a story of contrasts. The team showed immense promise in Test and ODI formats, particularly with their historic wins and the rise of new talent.

However, the challenges in T20 cricket and the internal management issues cast a shadow over the year’s accomplishments.

As Pakistan heads into 2025, it is clear that while the team has the potential to compete at the highest levels, a more consistent approach, strong bench strength, and strategic planning are necessary for sustained success.

With upcoming international challenges, including the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan cricket stands at a crossroads.

By building on the progress made in ODIs and addressing the shortcomings in T20s, the team could aim for a more balanced and successful future.