Babar Azam Poised to Take on Wicketkeeping Duties for Pakistan: A Surprising Development

Pakistanโs white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has firmly denied claims that he advised star batter Babar Azam to take up wicketkeeping in a bid to return to the national T20I squad. This clarification came during a media interaction, where Hesson emphasized that discussions with Babar did not include any suggestion for him to don the gloves. Additionally, he stated that Babar’s potential return to the team would see him playing as an opener, likely alongside Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman. The coach’s comments follow criticism from several former players regarding the handling of Babar and other key players.
### Hessonโs Clarification on Babar’s Role
In a recent media engagement, Mike Hesson addressed rumors surrounding Babar Azam’s position in the T20I setup. Hesson stated that no conversation took place where he suggested Babar should take up wicketkeeping to secure his place in the squad. He reiterated that if Babar were to return, it would be in his natural role as an opener, likely batting alongside either Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman. This comes after local media reported that such advice was given during a meeting with senior players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Hessonโs remarks were aimed at quelling speculation and emphasizing Babar’s value as a top-order batsman.
### Backlash from Former Cricketers
The rumors surrounding Babar Azam and Hesson’s alleged advice sparked significant backlash from former Pakistan cricketers. Notable figures like Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht expressed their concerns over the treatment of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen. Basit Ali criticized the media narrative, stating it was unfair to suggest that Babar should change his role after his achievements as a former captain. Mohsin Khan added that proposing Babar take up wicketkeeping was disrespectful, given that he has never played that position in his career. This criticism highlights the sensitivity surrounding the national team’s player management and the expectations placed on its key figures.
### Preparatory Camp and Team Strategy
Although Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will not participate in the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, they have been invited to attend a preparatory camp in Karachi. This camp aims to prepare selected players for future tournaments. Hesson has indicated that the team is focused on addressing its batting challenges, acknowledging the need for improvement in T20 cricket. He denied enforcing a mandatory strike rate for players, maintaining that the primary goal is to adapt to modern batting demands while still valuing specialist roles within the team.
### Future Team Composition and Selection Process
Looking ahead, Mike Hesson revealed plans to build a younger and more dynamic T20 squad in collaboration with selectors. His focus is on identifying players who can adapt to various roles in the batting order, enhancing flexibility in the lineup. Hesson confirmed his active involvement in the selection process, stating that the final playing XI will be determined after the selectors present a pool of 20 players. He also mentioned the intention to provide opportunities for emerging talent ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while still considering experienced players like Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the future.
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