ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Hasnain burst onto the cricket scene in 2019, playing a key role in Quetta Gladiators’ PSL title win and earning the Player of the Match award in the final.
He made his international debut for Pakistan the same year against Australia in Sharjah.
However, despite his promising start, Hasnain has struggled to translate his raw pace into consistent international success.
The Pandemic and Its Impact on Hasnain’s Career
The COVID-19 pandemic struck just a year into Hasnain’s international career, limiting tours and playing opportunities worldwide.
Despite being part of squads, Hasnain often saw little game time, such as during the England T20I series where the first match was washed out and he did not get to play.
In October 2020, he made a strong comeback with a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe but failed to maintain momentum in subsequent matches.
His appearances remained sporadic, with fewer matches played each year compared to other pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Stagnation Despite Potential
Hasnain was initially selected for his raw pace and success as a short-ball specialist in the PSL.
While this strategy worked well against local batsmen, it proved less effective against international opposition,
where Hasnain’s skill development stalled.
He also faced challenges such as a suspension due to his bowling action, which required remodeling and retraining.
Despite flashes of promise in leagues like The Hundred and Big Bash, his lack of First-Class cricket experience and limited international opportunities have hindered his growth.
The question remains: Is the fault with Hasnain himself or the system that failed to nurture his potential?
With his career now six years in, cricket fans and experts continue to watch, hoping this fast bowler can still rise to the promise he once showed.
