Babar Azam banned from Pakistan..
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Pakistan batter Babar Azam has faced a severe dip in form over the last few years, and he recently made the headlines again after not being picked for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.
After the snub, there was speculation on social media that the current Pakistan white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has reportedly asked him to switch to a wicket-keeping role to earn back his place in the Pakistan national side.
However, the Pakistan coach has finally ended all these speculations, which earned him severe criticism from players and critics, including the likes of Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht.
Mike Hesson drops an update on Babar Azam's inclusion
Mike Hesson claimed that he did not have a word with Babar Azam while also revealing that he made no such suggestions to him. He added an insight, saying if Babar makes him come back into the Pakistan T20 side, it would be purely as an opening batsman.
“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," Mike Hesson to the reporters.
Hesson also had a dig at rumours that he has claimed to oust all players in the Pakistan side who would be batting at a strike rate lower than 150. No such discussions have been made with the players, as suggested by the former Kiwi.
“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 of over 150. We are working on some things in this direction,” Hesson remarked on maintaining better strike rates.
Mike Hesson confirms eyeing players with 'multiple roles'
The former Kiwi cricketer made a special mention supporting the claims that he has suggested the inclusion of more players who can take up multiple roles, rather than switching in just as a specialist batter or bowler.
Some reports claimed the Pakistan head coach is not siding with the idea of keeping specialist players in T20Is but has asked for more players to play in an all-rounder's role.
“We are looking at players who are ready to float in the batting order and perform multiple roles, but that does not mean there will be no spot for specialist players,” said Hesson.
Sydney Sixers pick Babar Azam for the upcoming season
Just when everything seemed to go against the great Pakistani Babar Azam, with a dip in form and snub from the national side, the Australian board emerged in his support.
The Big Bash League side, Sydney Sixers, has offered a contract to the cricketer for the upcoming season of 2025/26.
Babar Azam will join Steve Smith in the Sydney Sixers side, as this will be the first time Babar features in the Australian franchise-level T20 tournament.
Tagged:
Pakistan National Cricket Team Babar Azam Mike Hesson Bangladesh National Cricket Team BPL BBL
