For close to a decade, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were the heartbeat of Pakistan’s batting. Their partnerships at the top defined provided stability. But as Pakistan heads into a crucial run of fixtures before the T20 World Cup in early 2026, both stalwarts find themselves on the outside looking in. The massive development broke when the PCB selectors left out both Babar and Rizwan from their squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Now, coach Mike Hesson has provided a candid explanation of what it will take for the duo to reclaim their places.
Babar Azam told to prove strike-rate credentials
Babar Azam’s absence isn’t just about a dip in numbers but his strike rate. His last T20I appearance came back in December 2024, and while a fluent 47 in Trinidad earlier this year suggested he was finding his rhythm again, the back-to-back failures that followed only deepened the selectors’ concerns.
For a player who has carried Pakistan’s batting for the better part of a decade, being left out of both the tri-series and Asia Cup squads feels less like a massive statement. His game wasn’t evolving as compared to the rate of aggressiveness that has gripped T20 cricket in the current era. Yet, as Mike Hesson made clear, the story isn’t over and the door remains open, provided Babar proves he can adapt to the demands of modern T20 cricket.
“There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on,” Hesson said.
The New Zealander added that Pakistan’s current top-order has been delivering in ways selectors cannot ignore. “At the moment the players we have, have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan has played six games (against Bangladesh and West Indies) and won three Player of the Match awards. A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider.”
Back in June, Sydney Sixers signed Babar Azam as a pre-draft signing. The BBL 15 will be played in the December-January window and Hesson has stated that Babar needs to advance his T20 game accordingly.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 & Tri-series vs AFG & UAE
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim
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