'Fame and experience won't guarantee a spot': Mike Hesson on Babar, Rizwan's future in team

Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has asserted that senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will not be guaranteed spots in the T20 team based on reputation alone.

In an interview with a local sports platform, Hesson emphasised that selection would be based on specific roles and team strategy rather than past achievements. "Players won't be picked based on experience or fame. Selection will depend on clearly defined roles, and everyone will have to perform according to the team's plan," he said.

Hesson explained that the goal is to build a modern, winning team that plays exciting cricket. "This is a golden opportunity. I'm excited about this role and confident that I can guide the team towards improvement. We want to play successful cricket that also wins the hearts of fans, but I know it's a big challenge," he added.

The recent squad announcement for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh already hints at a shift in leadership style. Big names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have been left out of the squad, possibly reflecting Hesson’s vision of redefining team roles.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali returns to the side for this series, having last played a T20I against Ireland in 2024. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub also make a comeback after fitness issues kept them out of the 2025 Champions Trophy and the series against New Zealand.

Originally planned as a five-match series with games in Faisalabad, the T20I series has been reduced to three matches amid security and logistical concerns. All matches will now be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from May 28 to June 1.

The matches will begin at 8 PM local time. The first T20I is scheduled for May 28, the second on Friday, May 30, and the third and final game on Sunday, June 1. The Bangladesh team is set to arrive in Lahore on 25 May and will train on May 26 and 27 ahead of the series.