Seniors not dropped for Bangladesh series, youngsters need chance to be tested: Pakistan coach Hesson

Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson says the exclusion of senior players such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Naseem Shah from the one-day series in Bangladesh should not be construed punishment for non-performance in the just-concluded T20 World Cup.

Under fire after Pakistan’s exit before the knockout stage, Hesson insisted that Pakistan has got scant opportunities to test young promising talent and the series in Bangladesh was on such chance.

“I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” he said.

Pakistani selectors didn’t include Babar and company in the ODI squad for the three-match series in Bangladesh after most of the seniors failed to click in the World T20 Cup won by India on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Hesson said with the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year, they wanted to see how promising players respond.

“Sahabzada Farhan has forced himself into the ODI squad because of his exceptional performances in T20s and then young players like Shamyl Hussain or Maaz Sadaqat have been doing well in domestic cricket and junior sides.

“The series will not be easy as Bangladesh have been playing a lot more one-day cricket then us. I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players,” Hesson said.

Published on Mar 09, 2026