TOP STORIES

“There's no doubt Babar's been asked to improve”: Mike Hesson on Babar'S exclusion from Asia Cup squad

Monday, 18-Aug-2025
News

Pakistan’s decorated batter Babar Azam, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success over the years, was notably left out of the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The decision raised eyebrows given Babar’s reputation as one of the most dependable and talented batters. 

However, despite his tremendous experience, Babar has not featured for Pakistan in T20Is since last year. Meanwhile, head coach Mike Hesson has now outlined key areas Babar needs to improve in order to earn a place in the side. 

"There's no doubt Babar's been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he's working really hard on," Hesson said during the press conference. 

"But at the moment the players we have have performed exceptionally well. Talking about Sahibzada Farhan, he has played six games and won three Player of the Match awards,” he said.

"A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he's improving in those areas in T20s. He's too good a player for us not to consider."

Pakistan will be led by Salman Agha in the Asia Cup, but ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, they will play a T20I tri-series with the UAE and Afghanistan starting on 29 August to 7 September. 



Tags

More News

News

"Aggression is always there": Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav on India vs Pakistan showdown

16 hrs ago

Arch rivals India and Pakistan will clash with each other in the 6th match of the Asia Cup, which begins on Tuesday in the UAE. The excitement is palpable in the lead-up to the monumental clash that promises to be an all-star showdown. There is always huge delirium whenever rivals India and Pakistan come face-to-face because their meetings are ...


News

Pakistan pacer Usman Shinwari retires from international cricket

18 hrs ago

Pakistan pacer Usman Shinwari has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career that saw him represent Pakistan in 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Pakistan between 2013 and 2019. He also played one Test for Pakistan in 2019, which also marked his last appearance for the side.

He picked up 34 wickets in ODIs and...


News

Asia Cup 2025, UAE vs IND: All you need to know, head to head, playing XI

19 hrs ago

As the Asia Cup 2025 gets underway on September 9 in the UAE, defending champions India are gearing up for a blockbuster encounter against the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the tournament on Wednesday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. This high-octane clash marks the opening game for both sides, and with world-class p...


News

Asia Cup 2025: Ravi Shastri weighs in on India's playing XI

21 hrs ago

Indian Test captain Shubman Gill's return to India's squad for the Asia Cup has touched off a discussion surrounding Sanju Samson's place in the playing XI. The central concern revolves around the composition of India's top order. It is likely that Gill will partner with Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. Gill, who has st...


News

Ireland name squad for England T20Is, Josh Little, Mark Adair absent

22 hrs ago

Ireland have named a 14-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, with batter and wicketkeeper Ben Calitz being called up for the first time. The 23-year-old young gun could get an opportunity to make his debut. Meanwhile, Ireland will be missing the services of Josh Little, Mark Adair, and Fionn Ha...