Mohammad Nawaz’s return to international cricket has not been overly well received by fans of the Pakistan cricket team, but former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has thrown his support behind the recall of the all-rounder.
The 31-year-old hasn’t represented the Pakistan national team since January 2024 but was a surprising inclusion in the travelling party for the three-match Bangladesh series.
Speaking about the squad shake-up ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming T20I assignments, Ramiz singled out Nawaz for praise, hailing the left-arm spinner’s commitment to the game before throwing his support behind Hussain Talat as well.
“I’m especially happy about Mohammad Nawaz,” said Ramiz. “He’s a very dedicated cricketer.” Similarly, I’m pleased with Hussain Talat’s selection. There’s a refinement in his game; he has definitely improved,” he added.
While Mohammad Nawaz’s association with Mike Hesson has roots in Islamabad United’s system, both Nawaz and Hussain Talat are a perfect embodiment of the players the New Zealander prefers—those with multiple skill sets on offer. Both Mohammad Nawaz and Talat are capable all-round options, giving Pakistan’s team a fluid system that can adjust to conditions on the day.
With Pakistan eyeing long-term stability ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, selections like Nawaz and Talat signal a willingness to blend experience with form.
While both players still have work to do to become automatic starters, the backing from a high-profile figure like Ramiz Raja reflects the optimism surrounding their return—and the belief that this latest opportunity could be their most important one yet.
