As Pakistan gears up to face Bangladesh in a T20I series starting July 20, 2025, the squad announcement has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts. In a bold and unexpected decision, newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson has excluded senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20I squad — indicating a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to the shortest format.
Hesson’s Multi-Skilled Player Strategy
According to reports from sources close to the Pakistan dressing room, Mike Hesson is aiming to reshape the T20I squad by including only multi-dimensional players — cricketers who can contribute with both bat or ball and in the field. Hesson is believed to have stated that the role of a “specialist batter” is outdated in modern T20 cricket.
One of the most surprising moments reportedly occurred during Hesson’s first meeting with the players, where he directly asked former skipper Babar Azam if he would be open to keeping wickets in T20Is — a position Babar has never taken on in his career.
“I’ve never kept wickets in my life,” Babar reportedly replied, shocked by the question.
Despite being the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history with 4,223 runs in 128 matches (only behind Rohit Sharma), Babar now finds himself out of the team, with wicketkeeping being floated as a potential path back into the lineup.
Babar Axed as Pakistan Announce T20I Squad for Bangladesh
The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially unveiled a revamped T20I squad for the Bangladesh tour, signaling a turning point in team selection. In light of poor results in recent years, the selectors have opted for a fresh approach, moving away from traditional roles.
Poor T20I Form Forces Change
Pakistan’s T20I performance has been in sharp decline since their loss in the 2022 T20 World Cup final to England. The team has won just 16 of its last 43 T20Is, including defeats to lower-ranked teams like USA, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. The team’s failure to impress in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy only added to mounting pressure on senior players.
Openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have faced particular criticism for slow strike rates, often scoring in the 120–130 range, which left middle-order batters with little room to accelerate.
Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Also Ruled Out
Pakistan will also be without Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf for the Bangladesh T20Is. Shadab recently underwent shoulder surgery and will need time for recovery, while Rauf is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during his MLC campaign in the United States.
Salman Ali Agha has been named as the captain for the series.
Babar Azam Hurt by Snub, Turns to Big Bash League for Redemption
According to media reports, Babar Azam was deeply disappointed by his exclusion from the national T20 setup. However, a new opportunity quickly emerged from overseas — BBL franchise Sydney Sixers offered him a contract for the upcoming season.
Now focused on proving his form and value as a specialist T20 batter, Babar is expected to use the Big Bash as a platform to force his way back into Pakistan’s squad — without needing to take on wicketkeeping duties.
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