Michael Vaughan Says Babar Azam Is Pakistan’s ‘Insurance Policy’ in T20 World Cup 2026

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Mike Hesson's handling of Babar Azam during the T20 World Cup 2026, describing the former Pakistan skipper's role as an "insurance policy" within the batting order.

Speaking on Cricbuzz ahead of Pakistan's Super Eight clash against England cricket team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Vaughan suggested that selection dynamics in Pakistan cricket make dropping Babar virtually impossible - and that Hesson has instead repositioned him strategically.

"I admire overseas coaches that go and coach in Pakistan because I can only imagine what's going on," Vaughan said.

"But Babar Azam himself, I think Mike Hesson has dealt with it brilliantly because he clearly has to play Babar Azam, and he's using him as an insurance policy. You lose two wickets; he's your insurance. He comes in at number four, and he can just play."

Vaughan argued that the slower Sri Lankan surfaces suit Babar's measured tempo, particularly in matches where totals hover between 150 and 180.

"In Sri Lanka, I think he's absolutely perfect for those wickets because Sri Lanka so far has been 150-180, and I think Babar's in that range. I think he'll get Pakistan to a 160-170 score."

However, he questioned whether Babar's current T20 template is suited to higher-scoring contests.

"But on a 200-day or a 210-day, Babar's not going to get you there. I just don't think he's that kind of player anymore."

While Vaughan praised Hesson's political navigation, he acknowledged the trade-off involved.

"I do admire the way that Mike Hesson has probably played the politics well, and it probably doesn't give you the best chance of winning the World Cup. But I do feel on a pitch like we'll find in Pallekele, I would want a Babar Azam in my team. Absolutely, because I want someone solid who can knock the spinners around. If he strikes at 125-130, that's absolutely fine. You'll need a cameo or two from two or three of the players around you, but I would want that consistent player in the middle of the innings. I think they've dealt with it right."

Vaughan added that coaching in Pakistan presents unique challenges.

"I personally would never want to go and be an overseas coach in Pakistan. I've spoken so much to Jason Gillespie when I went over there. So, it's difficult. I just think Hesson and the team and the management - I think they've dealt with it perfectly. Absolutely perfect in what they've done."

The assessment frames Babar not as the explosive match-winner of old, but as structural stability in a volatile format - a calculated compromise shaped as much by team balance as by circumstance.