Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson explained the rationale behind Babar Azzam’s demotion in the game against Namibia and seemingly admitted that he was a misfit in the side for the T20 World Cup 2026. After faring poorly against Netherlands, the USA and India, the former Pakistan batter wasn’t sent out to bat against NAM. Hesson has explained that Azam’s strike rate in T20 World Cups was less than 100 and that he was very well aware that it did not suit the team’s requirements.
Long rope for Babar Azam over?
Speaking to reporters ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 game against New Zealand, Hesson explained that Babar’s demotion was to do with the role that the team required and that he was very well aware of his strike rate issues. He said that the team reckons Azam is better off while batting in the middle overs where he gets the time to settle down and increase his strike rate if required. Explaining the decision to not send Babar out to bat in the game against Namibia, the Pakistan head coach pointed out that Babar wasn’t the best person to walk in at the 12th over and that the team had other options who could perform well towards the end.
“Look, it’s the role the team requires, and Babar is well aware of that. I think he’s well aware his strike rate in the powerplay in World Cups is less than 100. We think he’s a fine player through the middle if required, especially if we’re in a bit of trouble. The other day, when we got to the 12th over mark, Babar Azam was not the best person to come in. We have other options who can perform that role better at the end. Babar is the first to acknowledge that. He knows he has a certain set of skills the team requires, and at times other players can perform certain roles more efficiently,” Hesson said.
One of Pakistan’s stalwarts and most experienced campaigners, Babar has simply failed to live up to the expectations so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup. In three matches, he has registered scores of 5, 46 and 15, thereby putting extreme pressure on the middle-order.
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