Why Mike Hesson Says Babar Azam Was Dropped from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Pakistan cricket fans were stunned when Babar Azam, one of the country’s most prolific modern-day batters, was left out of the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Addressing the media after the squad announcement, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained the key reasons behind this bold move.
According to Hesson, Babar’s omission is not permanent, but a decision based on specific T20 performance parameters that the selectors are focusing on ahead of the Asia Cup. The 49-year-old revealed that:
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Strike rate and intent in the middle overs, especially against spin bowling, were the primary areas where Babar needs to improve.
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While Babar’s overall numbers are strong, his game approach in T20s — particularly against spin — has fallen slightly behind the evolving demands of modern power-hitting cricket.
Hesson further added that the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) would be a “great platform” for Babar to work on those areas, sharpen his attacking skills, and stage a comeback.
“He’s simply too good a player for us not to consider again,” Hesson said, signalling that the door remains open for the stylish right-hander once he adapts his game to the team’s current T20 template.
Notably, along with Babar, vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan was also left out, confirming a clear shift toward a more aggressive, youth-driven strategy in Pakistan T20 cricket. Both senior batters have missed Pakistan’s last three T20I series but were still widely expected to return for this Asia Cup — making their exclusion all the more headline-worthy.
What Do Babar Azam’s T20I Numbers Reveal?
When it comes to T20I cricket, Babar Azam’s overall statistics are undeniably impressive on paper. The Pakistan star has featured in 128 T20Is, amassing 4223 runs from 121 innings at a superb average of 39.83 — a figure that is exceptional for the shortest format.
However, despite those numbers, Babar’s strike rate of 129.22 has often come under scrutiny. Critics argue that while he scores runs consistently, his ability to accelerate in the middle overs and maintain a high scoring rate hasn’t always aligned with the aggressive demands of modern T20 cricket.
There have been several occasions where his relatively conservative approach has slowed Pakistan’s momentum, especially on spin-friendly tracks or when boundaries are required at a quicker rate.
At franchise level, Babar is among the most experienced Pakistani T20 players — having played in the PSL, BPL, LPL, Vitality Blast, and CPL. Now, his upcoming maiden stint in the Big Bash League (BBL) with Sydney Sixers is being viewed as a vital opportunity for him to work on his strike rate against high-quality opposition and improve power-hitting against spin, which head coach Mike Hesson has identified as areas of development.
Also Read –Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad Revealed — Babar Azam & Rizwan Dropped
