Hesson Highlights Honesty in Player Evaluations

DUBAI: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has shared his perspective on the ongoing discussions about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s scoring pace in T20 internationals, emphasizing the evolving nature of modern cricket.

During a recent press briefing before a match, Hesson underscored the significance of sincerity when judging players.

“I believe honest assessments of players are vital. Objectivity and clarity, free from any personal bias, are essential. While I haven’t mentioned anyone’s specific weaknesses, I have referenced the demands of today’s game,” Hesson stated.

He clarified that the required run-scoring rates, especially during the initial powerplay overs, have changed with the conditions.

“Presently, the strike rates needed in the powerplay, particularly in favorable conditions, differ from the past. Players value straightforwardness and desire to know areas needing improvement. Supplying that input creates opportunities for progress,” he added.

Hesson further emphasized that his strategy centers on the team’s needs rather than individual preferences.

“It’s not about favoring a player or personal relationships; it’s about an honest evaluation of their role and the team’s requirements. The players then need to focus on enhancing those areas. This expectation applies to everyone, whether they’re current players or trying to rejoin the squad,” he noted.

The coach also minimized the attention on individual stats, emphasizing a team-oriented mindset.

“My focus is on the collective performance. What does the team achieve, and is it sufficient? Sometimes 150 is a winning total, while other times 190 is not. It’s about evaluating what’s needed to win and striving to surpass that. Averages, strike rates, or sixes are secondary,” he concluded.

Notably, Babar and Rizwan last played for Pakistan in T20Is against South Africa in Centurion in December 2024.

Despite their status as Pakistan’s most prolific opening partnership in this format, both were excluded from the current team.

It should be noted that the Pakistan team, led by Salman Agha, is set to commence their Asia Cup journey against Oman on Friday at the prestigious Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem