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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has confirmed that former captain Babar Azam will return to the national T20 side as a number three batter during the upcoming T20 International series against South Africa. The announcement marks the stylish right-hander’s comeback to the shortest format after a nine-month break.
Speaking to reporters at a media briefing in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Hesson shed light on the squad’s composition, selection decisions, and future strategy as Pakistan prepares for an intense white-ball season ahead.
Babar’s Comeback and Batting Role
Babar Azam last featured in a T20I for Pakistan against South Africa in Centurion in December 2024. While he continued to play a pivotal role in the ODI and Test squads, his absence from the shortest format had been a topic of debate among cricket circles and fans alike.
“I certainly endorse his selection,” said Hesson, expressing full support for Babar’s inclusion. “With Fakhar Zaman being sent to play first-class cricket, it created an opportunity for another top-order player, and it’s a great moment to get Babar back into the squad.”
The head coach further revealed that Babar will likely bat at number three, a position Hesson believes suits the former skipper’s temperament and consistency. “He’s likely to bat at three, and it’s a role I’m very confident he’ll excel in. His ability to build an innings and stabilize the middle overs is something this team will greatly benefit from,” he added.
Haris Dropped, Usman Khan Rewarded
Hesson also discussed the decision to drop wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who has been struggling for form in recent months. The young batter was given multiple opportunities but failed to make a lasting impact.
“Haris is young and talented, but he needs to show improvement,” Hesson remarked. “We’ve had several discussions with him about refining his shot selection and game awareness. This is a temporary exclusion, not a permanent one.”
In contrast, Usman Khan earned a recall to the T20I squad, thanks to his strong performances in domestic and franchise leagues, particularly his ability to handle spin effectively. “Usman’s strength against spin and his aggressive intent make him a valuable addition, especially considering the conditions we might face against South Africa,” the coach noted.
Pakistan’s Squad and Upcoming Series
Pakistan has announced a 15-member squad for the T20I series against South Africa and the subsequent tri-nation series, while a 16-member lineup will represent the country in the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Hesson emphasized that both series will play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s T20 World Cup strategy. “These matches are vital for us to test combinations, especially in the top and middle order,” he explained. “We are looking to establish a clear playing identity before the global tournament.”
Reflections on Asia Cup Loss
When asked about Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, Hesson admitted that the loss was a hard pill to swallow but highlighted the positives taken from the campaign. “It was disappointing, no doubt,” he said. “But we learned a great deal about our team’s balance and mental approach in high-pressure games.”
He added that Pakistan’s bowling unit performed admirably during the tournament, but lapses in the middle order proved costly. “We’ve addressed those issues, and players understand the need for adaptability when conditions change,” Hesson stated.
Focus on Spin Talent and Domestic Integration
The head coach also expressed optimism about Pakistan’s emerging spin resources, singling out Usman Tariq as a promising talent for the future. “Usman Tariq is a spin talent with natural control and variety. He’s someone we’ll continue to nurture carefully,” he said.
Hesson confirmed that Sufiyan Moqim has been released to participate in domestic cricket, allowing him to gain more match experience and confidence. “It’s important for players to keep getting game time rather than just sitting out. Sufiyan’s development will continue through the domestic circuit,” he added.
Preparation for the Future
Looking ahead, Hesson said that the South Africa T20Is and the tri-nation series are not just about results but about building a cohesive unit with depth and flexibility. “We’re not just preparing for one series. We’re preparing for the long run — for the T20 World Cup and beyond,” he said.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s strength lies in its depth of talent, and with players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed leading by example, the team is shaping up well. “We want to see a fearless, intelligent brand of cricket from our players. Babar’s presence adds stability and experience to the batting group, which will be crucial in crunch moments,” he concluded.
