As Pakistan heads into another World Cup, fans are filled with hope and excitement for a possible historic win.

As Pakistan gears up for another World Cup, fans are brimming with hope and anticipation for what could be a historic victory.

Another tournament kicks off, and hope rises again in the hearts of Pakistani fans. Can those magnificent men in green pull it off? With Babar Azam back at the helm, the team once known for its thrilling unpredictability and flashes of genius faces a challenging path ahead.

This T20 World Cup in the US, an emerging cricket hub with a rich history dating back to the 1700s, presents a modern, fast-paced format. Despite Pakistan's strengths in T20 cricket, winning a second trophy seems a long shot. This is largely due to ongoing issues within the team and Pakistan cricket as a whole.

On paper, Pakistan looks like a strong contender. They are a tournament team, and T20 cricket suits them well. They triumphed in 2009 under Younis Khan with Shahid Afridi's brilliance and have been runners-up twice: narrowly losing to India in 2007 and falling short against England in 2022 due to Shaheen Shah Afridi's injury.

Pakistan boasts two of the best T20 performers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who consistently top the batting charts. Their pace attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, is formidable. New talents like Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, and Azam Khan are promising, complemented by the experience of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir.

However, beneath the surface, problems lurk. Babar and Rizwan are vital but often criticized for not scoring quickly enough or staying at the crease long enough to secure victories. Pakistan aims to reach 200 runs when batting first but rarely achieves this due to the middle and late order's struggles. Fakhar Zaman, while capable of game-changing performances, is inconsistent.

No Pakistani bowler ranks in the top 10. Shaheen Afridi, though recovering from injury, is the only one in the top 20. This is troubling for a team traditionally known for its bowling strength. All-rounders Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim also rank low, with Imad being Pakistan's highest-rated spin bowler at 38th.

In 2024, Pakistan's T20 record has been poor, winning only five out of 14 matches. They haven't set a target over 200 and struggle with an unsettled team and poor fielding. The famed unpredictable brilliance is missing, replaced by predictability and mediocrity. A change agent is needed, and that isn't Babar.

New coach Gary Kirsten has a tough task. He must reinvigorate the team, even though immediate results may be elusive. Kirsten must accept certain realities: Azam is a weak link, Amir is past his prime, and Babar and Rizwan should open. The spin options are limited, but Abrar might shine, and Imad remains a crafty match-winner. Fakhar is erratic but can win games single-handedly. Usman Khan shows promise, and the fast-bowling trio of Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem needs refocusing.

In short, Pakistan needs a miracle. The top contenders are Australia, England, and India, with New Zealand and co-hosts West Indies also strong. Despite better resources and form, Kirsten must reignite Pakistan's unique flair, the ability to create magic from nothing. Fans just want their team back, showcasing the thrilling, unpredictable cricket they love.