Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson speaks to the media in Dubai. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has defended the decision to hold back Babar Azam during Pakistan’s must-win group-stage match against Namibia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing the former captain’s low powerplay strike rate in the tournament.
Babar, who has scored 66 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 115.78, retained his place in Pakistan’s XI despite mounting criticism following his seven-ball five in a heavy 61-run defeat by arch-rivals India. However, the right-hander did not bat in the Namibia match, with Khawaja Nafay and all-rounder Shadab Khan promoted ahead of him in the order.
The move sparked debate among fans and analysts, prompting questions about Babar’s role in the side. The issue was put to Hesson during his media briefing on the eve of Pakistan’s first Super Eights fixture against New Zealand cricket team at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Hesson said match circumstances dictated the decision, stressing that Babar was not the right option at number four when Pakistan were well placed at 107 for two in the 13th over, with opener Sahibzada Farhan set at the crease.
“At that point, Babar Azam is not the best person to come in,” Hesson said. “We’ve got plenty of other options who can perform that role towards the end.”
The coach added that Babar himself understood the reasoning. “He knows he’s got a certain set of skills the team require, and there are times where other players can perform a role more efficiently.”
Hesson also addressed concerns over Babar’s continued use at number four rather than his preferred opening position, saying the decision was made after Pakistan’s disappointment at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the powerplay in this World Cup is under 100, and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson said. “We brought him back for a specific middle-order role.”
Pakistan begin their Super Eights campaign on Saturday as questions continue to surround how best to use their most prolific batter in a high-pressure tournament.
