Babar Azam to do Wicketkeeping for T20I Comeback? Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson has THIS to say

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Lahore, July 10: Pakistan's newly-appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has rubbished media reports claiming he advised Babar Azam to take up wicketkeeping duties to regain a spot in the T20I setup.

The former New Zealand coach issued a strong clarification, labelling the claims baseless and urging for more respectful treatment of senior players like Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"No discussion took place with Babar where I suggested he also keep wickets," Hesson said during a media interaction in Lahore, shutting down speculation sparked by local media outlets following a meeting with senior players.

Babar's Place Is As An Opener: Hesson

Hesson reiterated that if Babar is to return to the T20I side, it would be as a top-order batter, potentially partnering with Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman. He ruled out any role change, particularly wicketkeeping, a position Babar has never held in his professional career.

The viral reports attracted criticism from several former Pakistan cricketers, including Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht, who called the idea insulting and unfair. "They are being very unfair with Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, but I can assure you these three will be back soon," said Basit Ali, backing the trio's return.

Mohsin Khan was even more scathing in his criticism: "He has never kept wickets in his entire career, and you suggest he keeps wickets? This is not the way to treat a former captain and senior," he stated.

No Mandatory Strike Rate Criteria

Addressing another brewing controversy, Hesson also denied imposing a minimum strike rate requirement of 150+ for players to be considered for T20I selection.
"I have not told the players they must maintain a strike rate over 150 to stay in the team," he clarified, though he did acknowledge the need to modernise Pakistan's batting approach in the shortest format.

"Our biggest challenge in T20s is our batting. We are working on that and trying to move towards a more dynamic, flexible brand of cricket," he added.

Youth Focus, But Seniors Not Out

While Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen are not part of the squad for the upcoming Bangladesh tour, they have been invited to the preparatory camp in Karachi. Hesson made it clear that the trio remains in the selectors' plans. "We are building a young side for the 2026 T20 World Cup, but there will still be space for specialists and experienced players," said the 49-year-old tactician.

Hesson confirmed he has a significant role in the team selection process. Once selectors shortlist a pool of around 20 players, the final squad and XI are chosen by the team management.