Pakistan cricket head coach Mike Hesson has cleared the air about Babar Azam’s place in the team, dismissing rumours of a wicketkeeping role.

 

Earlier, reports claimed that the coach had offered Babar the wicketkeeping role. However, Hesson has clarified that there has been no discussion with him regarding wicketkeeping.

 

Speaking to the media on Thursday, he clarified, “We see him purely as an opener.” He added, “If Babar secures his place in the team, he will open the innings alongside either Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman.”

 

Hesson said, “No batter has been instructed to play with a strike rate of 150, but in modern-day cricket, playing with an aggressive approach has become essential.” According to him, “One major reason Pakistan lags behind in T20 cricket is its batting.”

 

The head coach added, “A training camp has been set up to prepare for the T20 format, focusing on different aspects of the game. This camp will continue for one week.”

 

Hesson also confirmed, “Hasan Ali will travel with the team to the West Indies, as he is currently playing very good cricket.” He said, “In the absence of frontline fast bowlers, other players have been tested, and those who meet the international standards will be given more opportunities.”

 

He stated, “Shaheen Shah Afridi will be given a complete chance to prove himself as he is a world-class bowler, and the team wants him to return stronger and perform well.”

 

Hesson further shared, “Haris Rauf is currently recovering from an injury but remains with the squad, while Salman Mirza has been included in the squad in place of Hasan Ali.”

 

Speaking about the selection process, the head coach said, “I myself am part of the selection committee. The committee initially selects 20 players, after which the captain and coach finalize a squad of 15 through mutual consultation. This final list is then sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman for approval.”

 

Babar’s last recorded T20I appearance was against South Africa on December 13, 2024.

 

It merits mention that Babar Azam has not been selected in the 15‑member squad announced on July 8, 2025, for the upcoming three‑match T20I series in Bangladesh scheduled from July 20–24 in Dhaka.