Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson has laid out a detailed plan for the reintegration of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi into the national T20I setup.
Both key players were missing from the recent 3-0 T20I series victory over Bangladesh, but Hesson emphasized that they remain part of Pakistan’s long-term strategy, particularly with the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka scheduled for next year.
At present, both Babar and Shaheen are actively participating in a high-intensity training camp in Karachi, joined by other players vying for a spot in the upcoming three-match T20I series in Mirpur. The camp aims to evaluate and fine-tune the skill sets of potential squad members.
Addressing the media, Hesson dismissed rumors suggesting Babar Azam might take on wicketkeeping duties. Instead, he clarified that Babar is competing for one of the top-order batting positions, where he faces stiff competition from Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub.
Hesson pointed out that one of the main factors influencing Babar’s selection is his T20I strike rate. With a strike rate of 129.81, Babar currently lags behind Fakhar (133.49) and Ayub (138.48).
The coach highlighted the importance of aggressive scoring in modern T20 cricket, noting that teams around the world have evolved their batting approaches.
He believed Pakistan must adapt accordingly and improve its overall batting tempo, especially as the team’s low T20I ranking can be attributed in part to sluggish scoring rates.
According to Hesson, positive signs have already emerged, with Babar demonstrating encouraging changes in his approach over the past month.
The coach expressed optimism that Babar can elevate his strike rate while maintaining run consistency, helping align Pakistan’s playing style with global standards.
Regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hesson reaffirmed the left-arm fast bowler’s status as a world-class performer. Although he did not disclose specific technical issues, he noted that Shaheen, like other players in the camp, had identified areas for improvement.
The primary goal of the camp, he stated, is to help players refine their skills and regain peak form. He stressed that while all players go through fluctuations in performance, the coaching staff is committed to working closely with them to facilitate a strong comeback.