Mohammad Asif urges Pakistan to rebuild T20 strategy, backs youngster Ali Raza for future

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has called for major changes in Pakistan’s T20 cricket strategy following the team’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, stressing the need to invest in young talent and specialist players.

Speaking on his YouTube show, Asif said Pakistan failed to keep up with the rapidly evolving demands of modern T20 cricket, where aggressive batting and specialist roles have become essential. According to him, the national side lacked clear strategy and relied too heavily on players performing multiple roles rather than focusing on specialists.

Asif particularly highlighted Pakistan Under-19 fast bowler Ali Raza as a promising talent who could serve the national team for many years. He praised the youngster’s pace, height and aggressive bowling style, saying that with proper grooming he could become a key asset for Pakistan in the future.

“The way he is bowling aggressively shows great potential. If used properly, he can serve Pakistan for 10 to 12 years,” Asif remarked while discussing the importance of preparing young players for international cricket.

The former pacer also criticized Pakistan’s team composition, arguing that the side had too many all-rounders but lacked true specialist batsmen and bowlers. He said modern T20 teams succeed because they have clearly defined roles and players who excel in their particular skill sets.

During the discussion, Asif also revisited his earlier criticism of former captain Babar Azam, claiming that the star batter’s style has sometimes been misaligned with the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket. However, he clarified that his comments were purely about cricketing strategy and not personal criticism.

Asif further pointed out that Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy — once dominated by legends such as Shoaib Akhtar — was built on long spells of hard bowling and extensive first-class cricket experience. He believes the current generation of pacers needs more red-ball cricket and longer bowling workloads to build the same endurance and skill.

He concluded by urging selectors and team management to plan long-term rather than relying on short-term fixes, emphasizing that developing young fast bowlers and creating specialist roles will be crucial for Pakistan’s future success in international cricket.