“Toh wo khel kyun raha hai?” - Mohammad Hafeez slams Mike Hesson; questions Babar Azam’s place in the squad

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has slammed the Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson for his comments over Babar Azam’s low strike rate being the reason behind his batting demotion in the game against Namibia in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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In the three innings he has played in the ongoing showpiece event, Babar managed to score only 66 runs with the highest score being 46-run knock against the USA. However, he failed to live up to the expectations against the Netherlands and India, which resulted in his demotion.

After the game against Namibia, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson revealed that low strike rate as the key reason behind Babar Azam’s demotion in the batting order. Interestingly, Shadab Khan was sent up in the order, but Babar couldn’t get his opportunity. 

"I think he's well aware that his strike rate in the powerplay in (T20) World Cups is less than 100. So clearly, that's not a role that we think here we need. We think he's a fine player through the middle, if required, in terms of if we're in a little bit of trouble. Or as we saw against the USA, once he gets himself set, he can increase his strike rate at that point. So, we brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup. We wanted some batsmanship through the middle, and he certainly brings that for us," Heson told reporters.

Responding to Hesson’s comments, Hafeez lashed out at the head coach, questioning Babar’s place in the squad for the mega event. Interestingly, Babar Azam’s strike rate in the ongoing campaign is at 115.78 in the three innings he has batted.

"He (Hesson) made a statement on Babar Azam that I didn't understand. He said neither he's a powerplay batter because his strike rate is 100. I read this statement 15 times, but I didn't understand, which is why I am asking you, because you are like an elder brother, maybe you'll understand. He said that Babar can't bat in the first six overs, because his strike-rate is quite low; he gave that stat, nor could he bat after the 10th over. Toh wo khel kyun raha hai?” Hafeez said on the show Game On Hai.

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