Pakistan coach Mike Hesson put an end to all rumors after reports claimed Babar Azam was asked to take up wicketkeeping to secure his spot in the T20I team.
Mike Hesson Denies Suggesting Babar Azam Take Up Wicketkeeping Amid Selection Speculations
Babar Azam continues to be out of favor for Pakistan’s T20I team selection and was once again left out of the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Reports had circulated that white-ball coach Mike Hesson had advised the former Pakistan captain to take up wicketkeeping in order to regain his spot in the T20I side.
However, Hesson has finally put an end to these rumors, stating that he never made such a suggestion to Babar. Following these reports, several former players including Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht expressed their displeasure toward the former New Zealand coach.
Hesson was clear and firm, saying, “No discussion took place with Babar where I suggested he also keep wickets. He has never kept wickets in his entire career, and you suggest he keep wickets? This is not the way to treat a former captain and senior player.”
He also revealed that if Babar Azam regains his place in the team, he would return as an opener in the T20I setup.
Additionally, Hesson denied rumors that he told players they would be dropped if they batted at a strike rate below 150. He said, “I have also not told the players that if they want to keep their places in the team, they have to bat at strike rates over 150. We are working on some things in this direction.”
‘Looking at players who can perform multiple roles’
Mike Hesson stated that he is working closely with the selection committee to identify players who can perform multiple roles in Pakistan’s shortest format.
The T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan will begin on July 20, with all matches scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammed Rizwan continue to be excluded from the T20I squad.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim.
