Hesson Eyes Babar and Rizwan Return to T20 Team

Reports indicate that Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, is in favor of bringing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan back into the national T20I team. This consideration follows their recent exclusion from the squad.

Their potential comeback is part of the preparation strategy for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.

While the home T20I series against Bangladesh may serve as an opportunity to evaluate emerging talents, Hesson is reportedly eager to incorporate the experienced duo into the team’s long-term strategy.

Babar and Rizwan were previously dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand. The national selection committee made this choice to provide chances to younger players to gain valuable international experience.

Following just a single series, the wicketkeeper batter was also removed from his T20I captaincy. Salman Ali Agha then assumed leadership responsibilities in the T20I format.

Credible sources affirm that Hesson recently engaged in discussions with selector Aqib Javed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters regarding the team’s future direction.

Sources familiar with Hesson’s plans suggest that the head coach is focused on refining Babar and Rizwan’s techniques. He is encouraging them to embrace a more assertive style of play and raise their strike rates.

In a private discussion, Hesson is said to have described them as “match-winners.” He believes that, with the appropriate roles, they can still deliver pivotal performances.

Pakistan’s next T20I commitment is a five-match home series against Bangladesh, planned to take place in Faisalabad and Lahore later this month.

However, due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 faced a temporary suspension, which had an impact on the domestic cricket schedule.

The remaining PSL 10 matches are now scheduled to restart on May 17, leading to a potential scheduling conflict.

The initial plan for the series opener against Bangladesh was May 25, which is also the date scheduled for the PSL 10 final, potentially leading to a delay in the bilateral series.