Mike Hesson Pakistan coach breaks silence on Babar Azam exclusion after World Cup disaster Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has clarified that the absence of several senior players from the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh is not a punishment but a strategic decision to give emerging talent a chance to prove themselves. The team’s disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated before the knockout stage, led to the exclusion of experienced players like Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the three-match series. Hesson emphasized that the move was about experimentation and preparing for the next ODI World Cup, which will be held in the near future. Hesson stated, “I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves.” He explained that Pakistan has had limited opportunities to assess new talent in the 50-over format, and the Bangladesh tour offers a timely platform. Players like Sahabzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, and Maaz Sadaqat have shown strong performances in domestic cricket and junior sides, making them viable options for the squad. Hesson also noted that Bangladesh’s increased focus on one-day cricket makes the series a significant challenge, further justifying the decision to test younger players. Tensions within Pakistan’s cricket setup have also surfaced. Former Test pacer Sikander Bakht revealed that disagreements arose between Hesson and members of the selection panel regarding squad decisions during the World Cup. Bakht claimed that Hesson often overruled the selectors, with former international umpire Aleem Dar stepping down from his role amid dissatisfaction with the coach’s involvement in selection matters.#babar_azam #naseem_shah #mike_hesson #saim_ayub #sikander_bakht
