Babar Azam and Mike Hesson (images through Getty Images) Coach Pakstan Mike Hesson indicated that Babar Azama’s journey back to the National T20i side could pass the Australian Great Bash League at the end of this year. Since the end of 2024, a thirty-year-old has been pushed out of the shortest format, with selectioners leaving it from the upcoming three-series against UAE and Afghanistan and the next month Asia Cup. Hesson made it clear that while Babar remains the highest quality player, he must prove progress in specific areas before he gained his place. “There is no doubt that Babar was asked to improve in some areas around the takeover of rotation and as far as his strike. These are things he works really hard,” the coach said, as ICC quoted. Babar’s recent form was inconsistent. He struck 47 in the first ODI against West Indies in Trinidad, but followed with a score of 0 and 9. His record T20 last year, 738 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 129.22 and 133.21, invited criticism for not being fast enough in format. Hesson suggested that Babar’s best chance to make a statement will come in December and January, when he is expected to appear in BBL. “A player like Babar has the opportunity to play in BBL and show that it is improving in these areas in the T20s. It is too good to keep the player not to consider it,” Hesson said. The coach also explained why others were preferred in the current team. “At the moment, the players we have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan played six games (against Bangladesh and West Indies) and won three players,” he stressed. The exclusion of Mohammad Rizwan was another remarkable call, while selectors decided to be interested in the dough who consistently scored a high strike.
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Hesson emphasized the importance of remuneration of the recent form. “We need the speed of running that puts us in front of the game. The T20 is about setting the game and all the time before the game,” he said. Pakstan will start the Asia Cup campaign against Oman 12. September before faces India 14. September.
