![Mike Hesson targets Babar Azam [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771598925287_MikeHessonTargetsBabarAzam.jpg?type=hq)
Mike Hesson targets Babar Azam [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x, AFP]
Babar Azam is currently undergoing one of the worst phases of his T20I career. With mounting strike rate concerns and on a trail of an underwhelming BBL season, the legendary Pakistan batter has also failed to light up the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for his national side.
His place in the side has now been questioned by none other than Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson, who recently made an explosive claim during a pre-match press conference.
Also Read- Babar Azam Forced Pakistan Coach To Resign, Serious Allegations Labelled
Mike Hesson questions Babar Azam’s place in powerplay overs
Babar Azam has spent the majority of his T20I career for Pakistan either as an opener or a number three batter. However, in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the legendary batter was relegated down to the number four position in each of Pakistan’s first three Group A matches of the tournament.
Moreover, in the match against Namibia in Colombo on February 18, the cricketer was further demoted in the batting line-up. His latest demotion ultimately meant he did not get a chance to bat at all, as Pakistan mounted 199-3 in their allotted 20 overs.
A day prior to Pakistan’s opening Super 8 match against New Zealand, head coach Mike Hesson was asked to explain why the team management was making Babar Azam bat at number four. Refusing to mince his words, Hesson straight-up questioned Babar’s below par strike rate and stated that the team is selecting its batting combination on the basis of match requirements and conditions.
While speaking during the pre-match press conference, the Pakistan head coach said “It’s about what the team requires. Babar Azam is well aware that his strike rate in the World Cup during the powerplay is below 100, so clearly that’s not the role we need from him.”
Pressure mounts for struggling Babar Azam
Babar Azam has aggregated just 66 runs in four matches for the Pakistan team in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far. In Pakistan’s high-profile match against India on February 15, the prolific right-hander was dismissed for just five as the ‘Men in Green’ succumbed to a huge 61-run defeat.
In the match against Namibia, the 31-year-old did not receive an opportunity with the bat as Pakistan secured a comprehensive 102-run win over Namibia.
Compatible to Mike Hesson’s concerns for Babar, the cricketer has maintained a strike rate of just 120.33 in seven matches for Pakistan this year. His strike rate at the ongoing showpiece event reads an even worse 115.78.
Babar Azam’s Super 8 fate hangs in the balance
With Pakistan head coach questioning Babar Azam’s strike rate, and the cricketer finding himself getting demoted in the game against Namibia, his fate for the Super 8 stage of the tournament continues to hang in the balance.
As of now, it remains to be seen if the prolific top-order batter will be recalled to his usual batting role in Pakistan’s upcoming Super 8 fixtures. Under the leadership of Salman Agha, the ‘Men in Green’ will face New Zealand first-up in the opening match of the second round of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The match will be hosted by the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, February 21.
Also Read- South Africa T20 Squad for New Zealand Announced, IPL Stars To Walk Out?
