I would never want to coach in Pakistan: Michael Vaughan on coaching Pakistan amid cricket politics

Synopsis

Pakistan batter Babar Azam faces scrutiny at the T20 World Cup due to his form. Former England captain Michael Vaughan praises coach Mike Hesson for managing Babar's role. Vaughan believes Babar's anchoring style suits certain conditions. Despite criticism, Hesson's strategy is seen as a political maneuver. Babar's statistics this tournament are below expectations.

The debate around Babar Azam continues at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as the Pakistan batter has struggled to find form despite trying multiple roles. Once hailed as Pakistan’s next great batting superstar, Babar has opened the innings, batted in the top order, and shifted to the middle order in this edition, but none of these positions have produced the desired results.

During Pakistan’s defeat to England on February 24, Babar once again struggled for fluency, scoring at barely above a run-a-ball. His form and role have prompted fresh scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

Michael Vaughan praises Mike Hesson’s handling of Babar

Before the England game, former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson for managing what he described as the complex politics of Pakistan cricket. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan said:

"I admire overseas coaches that go and coach in Pakistan because I can only imagine what’s going on," he 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.”

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Vaughan suggested that Babar’s style, even if considered outdated in modern T20 cricket, still has value, particularly in Sri Lankan conditions. He said other batters should adopt a more aggressive approach around him, allowing Babar to anchor the innings.

"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," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.

"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," he added.

Vaughan also revealed that he had discussed the challenges of coaching in Pakistan with former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie. Gillespie had previously alleged excessive interference during his tenure. Vaughan admitted that he would not consider taking up such a role himself.

"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," he added on Cricbuzz.

Babar’s statistics remain underwhelming

Statistically, Babar’s campaign in the 2026 tournament has been below expectations. In four innings, he has scored 91 runs at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34. Among batters with 90 or more runs in the competition, only UAE’s Alishan Sharafu comes close, with a strike rate of 112.40.

Across his T20 World Cup career, Babar has played 23 matches, scoring 640 runs from 21 innings at an average of 33.68 and a strike rate of 111.49. No player with 500 or more runs in the tournament’s history has recorded a lower strike rate than the former Pakistan captain.

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