Pakistan’s new coach makes intentions clear, Babar and Rizwan left out of Bangladesh series
Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has made one thing clear—”Experience and reputation won’t be the only criteria for selection.” His stance has sparked wide debate, especially following the omission of star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh.
Their absence from the squad has raised serious questions about their future in the shortest format and drawn scrutiny toward the team selection process itself. Hesson, stepping into his role recently, has now spoken up on the matter.
Babar and Rizwan were also dropped from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series in March, which at the time caused significant discussion. Now, with Pakistan announcing a 16-member squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh, both remain excluded—this time joined by experienced pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was also left out.
Babar has been out of form in T20Is for a while. He hasn’t scored a fifty in his last 11 innings, and his strike rate and overall approach in this format have often come under criticism.
Even in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar’s performance was far from exceptional. He scored 288 runs at a strike rate of 128.57 and an average of 36, reaching fifty three times. His highest score was a 94-run knock against Karachi Kings. Under his captaincy, Peshawar Zalmi failed to make it to the playoffs.
Rizwan, on the other hand, has had a relatively better run. In his last 12 T20I innings, he has hit four fifties. However, as a full-time captain, he led Pakistan in five T20Is—none of which ended in a win. For the series against New Zealand, Salman Ali Agha was named captain, and he will continue in that role against Bangladesh.
In the PSL, Rizwan was far more impactful with the bat. Playing for Multan Sultans, he scored 367 runs at an impressive strike rate of 139.54 and an average of 52.42. His campaign included one century and one fifty, though his team finished sixth and failed to advance.
Addressing the future of these two senior players in T20Is, Hesson responded to questions in an interview with a local media outlet. Reiterating his philosophy, he said: “Experience and reputation won’t be the only criteria for selection.”
According to Hesson, squad selection will depend on who can fulfill specific roles that align with the team’s strategic approach.
“Selection will be based on what roles we want to play in the team and the kind of cricket we want to play,” Hesson explained. “If we can be clear about how we want to play, then every position will have a defined role—and we’ll fill those roles with players who can execute them.”
At 50, Hesson is excited to take on the responsibility of guiding Pakistan cricket. He’s confident in bringing out the best in the squad.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity,” he said. “I believe I can bring meaningful improvements to this Pakistan team. I want to help us play a modern, successful, and winning brand of white-ball cricket—one that can inspire fans to rally behind us again. I’m excited, but I know the job won’t be easy.”
Originally planned as a five-match series, the Bangladesh tour was thrown into uncertainty due to tensions between India and Pakistan. After discussions between the two boards, the tour was confirmed, albeit reduced to a three-match T20I series.
The final schedule has yet to be officially announced, but all matches are expected to take place in Lahore.
