T20 cricket has seen some amazing players from Pakistan, with their best years being around 2021 and 2022. During this time, Pakistan reached the T20 World Cup knockouts in consecutive times, thanks to exceptional performances by players like Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, who were in great form. However, since then, things have changed. Many new players were given opportunities on the international stage.
These new players had already made a name for themselves in the PSL and other domestic platforms, leading many to believe they would replicate their success in T20Is. Unfortunately, they have failed to live up to expectations so far. It’s fair to say some of these players have been overhyped in T20I cricket. So, who are these overhyped players? Take a look at three Pakistan players who have yet to deliver on their promise in the T20I format.
Overhyped Pakistan players in T20Is
Azam Khan
When you have more than 3,000 runs in T20 cricket in a short time, you expect the player to perform well on the big stage as well. Despite the hype surrounding Azam Khan, he has struggled to deliver for Pakistan at the international level. Azam has become an easy wicket for opponents, managing to score just 88 runs in 14 games. This shows that he still needs time to understand and adapt to the demands of high-pressure international cricket.
Saim Ayub
While he has impressed in Test cricket, Saim Ayub has struggled to make his mark in T20Is since his debut in March 2023. Despite playing 26 matches, Ayub is yet to score a maiden fifty. In these games, he has managed 400 runs with a highest score of 49, averaging just 15. Also, he has recorded three ducks in this short span. However, given his promising performances in the longer format, there’s no doubt that this young star has the potential to turn things around in the future.
Usman Khan
Usman Khan, known for his impressive performances in the PSL as an opener, has showcased remarkable skills, consistently maintaining a strike rate of almost 160 and providing the starts teams often look for. However, when it comes to playing for Pakistan, things haven’t gone well for him. In 15 innings, he has scored just 229 runs at an average of 16, which is far below expectations for an opener. Despite earning a call-up to the Pakistan squad due to his run-scoring ability for Multan Sultans, he has been unable to capitalize on his opportunities at the international level. This has, so far, made him one of the overhyped cricketers in T20Is for Pakistan.
