Pakistan will be hoping 2024 turns out to be far less tumultuous after a season that was filled with disappointment on the field and away from it.
In 2023, the team in green rose to No 1 in the ODI rankings but were quickly brought down to earth during an eminently forgettable World Cup in India where they failed to qualify for the semi-finals and saw their famed bowling attack torn to shreds.
Thereafter, the wheels began to come off as Babar Azam relinquished the captaincy from all formats amid rumours of infighting and mistrust. The entire Pakistan management was overhauled, Shan Masood was given the Test captaincy while fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was appointed T20 captain.
A full Test tour of Australia right after a poor World Cup and dramatic reset of the system is far from ideal, but that is exactly where Pakistan are right now. A weak bowling attack against a full-strength world champions in their home is unlikely to turn things around anytime soon.
Still, there is hope as Pakistan prepare for a hectic 2024 which includes the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA.
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Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman celebrates after reaching his century in the World Cup clash against New Zealand in Bangalore on November 4, 2023. Pakistand won the game by 21 runs via the DLS Method. AFP -
A member of ground staff covers the pitch as rain stops play. AFP -
An announcement is displayed on a big screen after Pakistan won the match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. AP -
Pakistan's captain Babar Azam hits a boundary. AP -
Pakistan's captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman run between the wickets. AP -
New Zealand's Tim Southee celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique. AFP -
Spectators watch the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. AFP -
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra loses his bat after playing a shot. AFP -
New Zealand's Mark Chapman plays a shot. AP -
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf in action. Reuters -
Pakistan Abdullah Shafique attempts to stop the ball as New Zealand batter Mark Chapman sets off for a run. AP
Pakistan cricket schedule for 2024
January
Pakistan in Australia
January 3 - 3rd Test, Sydney (3.30am UAE time)
Pakistan in New Zealand
January 12 - 1st T20, Auckland (11.10am)
January 14 – 2nd T20, Hamilton (11.10am)
January 17 – 3rd T20, Dunedin (5am)
January 19 – 4th T20, Christchurch (11.10am)
January 21 – 5th T20, Christchurch (5am)
February
Pakistan Super League: February 13 to March 18
April
New Zealand in Pakistan: Five T20s
May
Pakistan in Ireland: Two T20s
Pakistan in England: Four T20s
June
T20 World Cup in USA and West Indies: June 4-30
August-September
Bangladesh in Pakistan: Two Tests
October
England in Pakistan: Three Tests
November
Pakistan in Australia: Three ODIs and three T20s
November-December
Pakistan in Zimbabwe: Three ODIs and three T20s
December-January
Pakistan in South Africa: Two Tests, three ODIs, three T20s
