Overview
- Mike Hesson confirmed Babar Azam will not open in this T20 World Cup, defining his role as a middle-overs stabiliser.
- Babar was held back against Namibia because the second wicket fell around the 12th over, with Pakistan preferring designated finishers to accelerate.
- Across the tournament Babar has 66 runs at a strike rate near 115.8, reinforcing scrutiny of his impact in the format.
- Hesson framed recent selections as tactical, including leaving out Shaheen Shah Afridi for Salman Mirza and promoting Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan ahead of Babar.
- Former captains Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Akhtar publicly questioned Babar’s role, as Pakistan’s Super 8 match against New Zealand was rained off with the points shared.