Pakistan coach Mike Hesson stated that Babar Azam was left out of the Asia Cup squad because he needs to improve his strike rate, especially against spin.
Babar Azam’s T20I career has taken a turn in the last 15 months. After being reinstated as Pakistan’s T20I captain ahead of the 2024 World Cup in the West Indies, he now finds himself left out of the format entirely.
Once ranked No. 1 in T20Is by the ICC, Babar missed the recent series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, and on Sunday was excluded from Pakistan’s 17-member Asia Cup squad as well. Head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar must raise his scoring rate, especially against spin, to reclaim his spot. He also hinted that playing in the Big Bash League could help the senior batter make the necessary adjustments and prove his progress.
“There’s no doubt Babar has been asked to improve in some areas, particularly against spin and in terms of his strike-rate. Those are aspects I know he’s working very hard on at the moment,” Hesson said at the press-conference.
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“A player like Babar also has the opportunity to play in the BBL and showcase improvements in those areas of T20 cricket. He’s simply too good a player for us not to consider,” he added.
Notably, Babar Azam’s form against spin continues to raise concern, with his strike rate of 122.91 since January 2022 being the lowest among 20 batters who faced over 1000 deliveries. Mohammad Rizwan, also dropped from the Asia Cup squad, is next on the list at 123.35.
Pakistan will play a T20I tri-series in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7 before the Asia Cup in the UAE.
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Last Updated on August 17, 2025
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