Asia Cup: Mike Hesson's honest assessment of Babar Azam, Rizwan's strike rate

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has openly addressed concerns over Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s strike rates, stressing the importance of honest assessments in modern T20 cricket. Both players missed out on the Asia Cup squad, having not featured for Pakistan in the format this year.

Hesson noted that the required strike rate in the powerplay has evolved, particularly in favourable conditions, and players must adapt to these changes. He emphasised that his feedback was objective, aimed at aligning with the demands of contemporary cricket rather than highlighting individual weaknesses.

‘Honesty, clear feedback’

Having also served as Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, Hesson added that players looking to improve and contribute must have clear role definitions and take responsibility for developing the skills needed to fulfill them.

“I think being honest in your assessment of players is very important. Coming from a place with no agenda is also crucial. If you can approach things objectively, that’s invaluable. I haven’t spoken about anyone’s frailties; what I’ve highlighted is how the modern game is played and how the strike rate required in the powerplay is very different from the past, especially in good conditions,” Hesson told the reporters on Thursday.

“As coaches or selectors, all players ask for honesty—clear feedback on what they need to work on. If they address those areas, there’s always a way back into any team. You can’t let personal relationships with players prevent you from being honest.

“Players who want to improve and contribute need clear role definitions, and it’s their responsibility to work on them. That’s what I expect from everyone—current players and those striving to fight their way back into the team,” Hesson added.

Away from Pakistan’s T20I setup, Mohammad Rizwan recently featured for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), while Babar Azam is set to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut for the Sydney Sixers later this year.

Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 12, facing Jatinder Singh’s Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.