Pakistan’s top cricketers have faced a setback in the latest ICC Test rankings, with multiple key players slipping in both batting and bowling charts due to inconsistent performances across recent series.

Babar Azam Slips, Saud Shakeel Becomes Top-Ranked Pakistani Batter

Former captain Babar Azam has dropped to 21st place in the Test batting rankings with 651 points, marking a significant decline in his standing. Although he scored 193 runs in a series against South Africa, his modest total of 45 runs against the West Indies at home contributed to his slide.

Taking over as Pakistan’s highest-ranked Test batter is Saud Shakeel, who is now tied at 10th place with India’s Rishabh Pant. Shakeel’s consistent run-scoring has helped him emerge as a dependable figure in Pakistan’s middle order.

Other changes in the batting ranks include:

• Mohammad Rizwan holding steady at 14th with 671 points

• Salman Ali Agha at 32nd

• Shan Masood climbing to 46th

• Abdullah Shafique slipping to 53rd

Mixed Fortunes for Pakistan’s Bowling Attack

In the bowling department, Pakistan’s ranking reflects a mix of minor gains and losses:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi, once a top-tier bowler, has dropped to 23rd

• Sajid Khan, Pakistan’s frontline spinner, is now at 22nd

• Noman Ali, however, continues to impress and remains steady at 6th

• Mohammad Abbas is placed at 29th, while Naseem Shah stands at 39th

Meanwhile, India’s Jasprit Bhasin has climbed to the top of the ICC Test bowling chart, with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada trailing closely behind.

Lack of All-Rounders Adds to Pakistan’s Woes

One of the most concerning elements for Pakistan is the absence of any all-rounder in the top 20 of the ICC Test rankings. This highlights a gap in squad balance and versatility—areas critical for sustained success in Test cricket.

At the global level, India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to dominate the all-rounder rankings, followed by Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who surged to second place after a stellar series against Zimbabwe. Miraz not only scored 116 runs but also took 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, elevating him to a career-best 55th position among Test batters as well.

Global Standouts Maintain Dominance

Elsewhere in the batting rankings, England’s Joe Root, Harry Brook, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson maintain their dominance, continuing to set the standard for consistency and excellence in Test cricket.

With rankings slipping and performance gaps emerging, Pakistan will need to regroup and refocus to reclaim its position in the elite circles of Test cricket.