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Mike Hesson

Shahid Afridi sees Shadab as future leader of Pakistan team

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Shahid Afridi sees

KARACHI:  Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that Shadab Khan is likely to become captain if head coach Mike Hesson continues in his role.

Speaking on a private TV programme, Afridi noted that Shadab and Hesson have worked together for a considerable period at Islamabad United. “If the same coach remains, Shadab will be the captain,” Afridi remarked.

He added that Shadab is not a bad choice for leadership, especially given the limited captaincy options currently available. “Shadab Khan is the backbone of the Pakistan team. You can appoint him as captain, but he will have to deliver strong performances to silence critics,” Afridi said.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad strongly criticised the team’s selection decisions. He claimed that spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has been sidelined to make room for Shadab in the playing XI.

Shehzad further alleged that even highly ranked spinner Abrar Ahmed was dropped to accommodate Shadab, arguing that there is a vast difference in performance levels between the players.

He concluded by blaming the coaching management for the team’s struggles, stating that internal selection dynamics are negatively impacting Pakistan’s performance.

Mike Hesson confident in Babar Azam’s specialized role

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Mike Hesson

COLOMBO: Ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson expressed full confidence in captain Babar Azam, highlighting his specialized skills and the strategic role he plays in the team.

Hesson emphasized that Babar knows what is expected of him and that after the Asia Cup, he has been brought back for a specific role in the middle order.

He noted that Babar’s strike rate in powerplays is below 100, which is not the role required from him. The coach referenced Babar’s performance in the match against the USA, where he successfully increased his strike rate.

Hesson stated that at times, other players may execute certain roles more effectively, but Babar possesses unique skills critical for Pakistan’s strategy.

Hesson confirmed that Fakhar Zaman remains in the squad and will play when needed.

He highlighted that in Sri Lankan conditions, spinners will play a significant role, and team combinations will be adjusted accordingly.

Usman Tariq was praised for his exceptional skills, capable of both attack and defense simultaneously.

Hesson also clarified that Salman Agha’s reaction during his dismissal was only due to being upset, and no further discussion occurred.

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday.

Hesson expressed confidence that the team is well-prepared and hopes to take full advantage of the playing conditions.

This press conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic planning, emphasizing Babar Azam’s central role and the adaptability of the squad in critical T20 match scenarios.

Usman Khan confident Pakistan can win T20 World Cup under Coach Mike Hesson

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Usman Khan

Dhaka: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan has expressed confidence that Pakistan has an excellent chance of winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, thanks to the thorough preparation under head coach Mike Hesson.

Speaking during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Usman said, “Our coach Mike Hesson has ensured we are well-prepared ahead of the World Cup. Next month, we will play matches against Sri Lanka and Australia to further fine-tune our skills. The team combination is strong, and we are very confident.”

Representing Dhaka Capitals in the BPL, Usman Khan will join the Pakistan squad in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 7 for a three-match T20 series. He emphasized that playing in Sri Lanka will give the team a good opportunity to understand the pitches ahead of the World Cup.

“I am visiting Sri Lanka for the first time. We are focusing on improving our play against fast bowlers, and our goal is to win the series there,” he added.

Usman also highlighted that playing in Bangladesh helped him adjust to different conditions. “I have also played in the UAE, but Pakistan is my priority. Pakistan is my country, and these are my people. I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to represent Pakistan,” he said.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 in India, with Pakistan playing all of its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

How did Pakistan cricket team perform in 2025?

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cricket team

LAHORE: In 2025, the Pakistan cricket team showed significant progress in T20 cricket, combining impressive wins with a bold, modern playing style.

Statistics show a marked improvement in Pakistan’s six-hitting ability. Across 34 T20 matches, the team faced 3,872 balls and hit 235 sixes, averaging 7 sixes per match and one six every 16 balls.

In comparison, in 2024, Pakistan hit just 152 sixes in 27 matches, averaging one six every 19 balls and fewer than 6 sixes per match.

The change in playing style reflects a more attacking approach, attributed in part to head coach Mike Hesson’s strategies.

Pakistan won 21 out of 34 T20 matches this year, and ahead of the next T20 World Cup, the team’s evolving white-ball strategy highlights its progress and potential for further success