Pakistan`s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, denied the speculations that he had asked Babar Azam to don the `Big Gloves` in order to regain his place in the T20I side.
Pakistan media had widely reported that Hesson made a suggestion to Babar during which Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi were also present.
The head coach cleared the air by saying, “No discussion took place with Babar where I suggested he also keep wickets”. Further, Hesson made it clear that if Babar regains his spot in the T20I side, he would come in as a opener and open the innings with either Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman.
The former cricketer turned coach faced severe criticism from former players such as Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht when media reports stated that he had asked Babar to keep the wickets in the T20Is.
“They are being very unfair with Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen, but I can assure you these three will be back soon,” said Basit.
Mohsin stated that Babar has never kept wickets in his entire career, and this is not the right way to treat a former skipper.
“He has never kept wickets in his entire career and you suggest he keeps wickets. This is not the way to treat a former captain and senior,” he said.
Ahead of the Bangladesh tour, Pakistani players are attending a camp in Karachi. Despite not being picked for the tour, Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen have been told to attend the camp.
Hesson also admitted that Pakistan`s biggest problem in the shortest format of the game was batting, but said that he has not instructed anyone to bat at a strike rate above 150.
“I have also not told the players that if they want to keep their places in the team, they have to bat at strike rates of over 150,” said the 50-year-old.
He made it clear that he was presently working on a plan with the selectors to forge a young T20 side with a particular approach to the format.
“We are working on some things in this direction. We are looking at players who are ready to float in the batting order and perform multiple roles but that does not mean there will be no spot for specialist players”.
Hesson said he was very much part of the selection process and once the selectors gave the team management a list of 20 players it was up to them to decide on playing eleven or 15.
The coach also said he wanted to give some exposure to new players before next year`s T20 World Cup but established players would be called upon when required. “Hasan Ali will play in the West Indies while we are also keen to see Shaheen Shah Afridi return in a more effective role,” he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
