Mike Hesson’s blunt take on Pakistan stars’ snub for Bangladesh tour

Pakistan selectors have been facing massive heat from the fans and former cricketers after they left out several players from the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. They took the call after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Men in Green failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament. After which they left out big names like Babar Azam, who had a forgettable T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and Naseem Shah, which sparked massive debate among the former cricketers.

Read Also: Mohammad Amir breaks silence after Abhishek Sharma slaps him in the face with T20 WC final heroics

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Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah were overlooked for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. Their absence raised questions about whether the selectors and team management had decided to take strict action after the poor T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Mike Hesson explains the real plan behind big players' ouster

However, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson made it clear that the decision was not about punishment. He explained that the Bangladesh tour is being used as a chance to test new talent and give young players exposure in the ODI format, keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The coaching staff believes Pakistan has not played enough ODI cricket recently, which means several promising players have not yet been properly tested at the international level. So, the selectors decided to include fresh names such as Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, and Maaz Sadaqat.

I wouldn't say anyone was dropped: Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson was quoted as saying by the Times of India: "I wouldn't say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves. Sahabzada Farhan has forced himself into the ODI squad because of his exceptional performances in T20s, and then young players like Shamyl Hussain or Maaz Sadaqat have been doing well in domestic cricket and junior sides."

"The series will not be easy, as Bangladesh has been playing a lot more one-day cricket than us. I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players."

Sikander Bakht exposes Pakistan selection drama, blames Mike Hesson for T20 World Cup 2026 disaster

Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast bowler Sikander Bakht revealed that there were serious disagreements inside the team management during the World Cup. He claimed that Hesson had picked the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and didn’t listen to the selectors at all.

Sikander Bakht was quoted as saying by Geo News: “I was involved in an argument with him. Aleem also spoke up, but the rest of the selectors just sat quietly and didn't question Hesson's decisions.”

Bakht also shared that he and former international umpire Aleem Dar had raised concerns during selection discussions. Later, Dar stepped down from his role because he was unhappy with Hesson’s too much interference and influence.

The former pacer claimed that the selectors had initially suggested 20 players for the tournament, but the final squad was decided mainly by the coach. Bakht also questioned the growing influence of Pakistan’s T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha, in selection discussions.

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