Mike Hesson clarifies on Babar Azam wicketkeeping suggestion rumours

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson has dismissed rumours suggesting he advised Babar Azam to take up wicketkeeping in order to regain his place in the national T20I team.

The 30-year-old Babar was left out of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh later this month.

Following reports that Hesson had recommended Babar keep wickets, several former players - including Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht - voiced criticism.

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“They are being very unfair with Babar, (Mohammad) Rizwan and Shaheen (Afridi) but I can assure you these three will be back soon,” Basit said.

However, Hesson clarified that no such conversation took place and reaffirmed that if Babar returns to the T20I side, it would be as an opener.

“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 keeps wickets. This is not the way to treat a former captain and senior,” Hesson told the reporters, PTI reported.

Hesson also denied reports claiming he told players that anyone not batting with a strike rate above 150 would be dropped from the team. He clarified that no such conversations have taken place. However, he emphasised that Pakistan’s batters need to improve certain aspects of their game to meet the demands of modern-day T20 cricket.

“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 added.

He further stated that he is currently working closely with the selectors to develop a young T20 side built around a specific approach suited to the format.

“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,” Hesson added.

Pakistan's T20I series against Bangladesh starts on July 20 with all matches scheduled to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

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Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: Jul 11, 2025

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