Pakistani Babar Azam (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson has made it clear that the absence of several senior players from the upcoming ODI series against the Bangladesh national cricket team should not be interpreted as punishment after the team’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan were eliminated before the knockout stage of the tournament, which was eventually won by the Indian national cricket team in Ahmedabad. Following this, the selectors chose to drop experienced names like Babar Azam, Saim Ayyub and Naseem Shah from the squad for the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. Hesson insisted the decision was only about experimentation and providing opportunities for emerging players rather than dropping established stars.
“I wouldn’t say anyone has been left out. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” he said. The former New Zealand coach explained that Pakistan has limited opportunities to evaluate new talent in the 50-over tournament and the Bangladesh tour provides a timely platform, especially with the upcoming ODI World Cup around the corner. “Sahabzada Farhan forced himself into the ODI team because of his exceptional performances in T20s and then young players like Shamil Hossain or Moaz Sadaqat have been doing well in domestic cricket and junior teams.
“The series will not be easy because Bangladesh have been playing much more one-day cricket than us. I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players,” Hesson said. At the same time, tensions within the Pakistani cricket system have also emerged. Former Pakistan Test pacer Sikandar Bakht has revealed that there were disagreements between Hesson and members of the selection committee regarding team decisions during the World Cup. Speaking to Geo News, Bakht claimed that every player selected for the tournament was Hesson’s choice and said that the coach often invalidates the selections. “I got into an argument with him. Aleem also spoke but the rest of the Chosen Ones sat quietly and did not question Hesun’s decisions,” Sikander said. Bakht also revealed his identity and previous international refereeing
Alim Dar
Both challenged the coach’s opinions during selection meetings.
Darr recently resigned from his position amid reports that he was unhappy with Hesson’s involvement in selection matters. According to Bakht, selectors initially presented a pool of 20 names, but Hesson finalized the team on his own terms. Sikander also criticized Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha’s influence in the selection discussions, adding another layer of controversy over the team’s decision-making process following their World Cup exit.