Mike Hesson’s blunt comment on ignoring Pakistani stars for Bangladesh tour

Pakistan selectors are facing heavy criticism from fans and former cricketers after dropping several players from the team for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. He took this decision after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Men in Green failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament. Following which he left out big names like Babar Azam, who had a forgettable T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and Naseem Shah, sparking a massive debate among former cricketers.

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Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah were sidelined for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. His absence raised questions over whether the selectors and team management had decided to take tough action after a poor T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Mike Hesson reveals the real plan behind ousting big players

However, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson clarified that the decision was not about punishment. He said that the Bangladesh tour is being used as an opportunity to test new talent and give experience to young players in the ODI format, keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The coaching staff believes that Pakistan has not played enough ODI cricket recently, which means that many promising players have not yet been properly tested at the international level. Therefore, the selectors decided to include new names like Sahibzada Farhan, Shamil Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat.

I wouldn’t say anyone was left out: Mike Hesson

The Times of India quoted Mike Hesson as saying, “I wouldn’t say anyone has been dropped. We see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves. Sahabzada Farhan has got himself into the ODI team because of his exceptional performances in T20s, and then young players like Shamil Hussain or Maaz Sadaqat are doing well in domestic cricket and junior teams.”

“The series will not be easy, because Bangladesh have been playing a lot more ODI cricket than us. I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players.”

Sikandar Bakht reveals Pakistan selection drama, blames Mike Hesson for ruining T20 World Cup 2026

Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast bowler Sikandar Bakht revealed that there were serious differences within the team management during the World Cup. He claimed that Hesson had selected the team for the T20 World Cup 2026 and did not listen to the selectors at all.

Geo News quoted Sikandar Bakht as saying, “I was involved in the debate with him. Aleem also spoke, but the rest of the selectors sat quietly and did not question Hesson’s decision.”

Bakht also shared that he and former international umpire Aleem Dar had raised concerns during selection discussions. Later, Dar resigned from his role as he was unhappy with Hesson’s too much interference and influence.

The former fast bowler claimed that the selectors had initially suggested 20 players for the tournament, but the final squad was decided primarily by the coach. Bakht also questioned the growing influence of Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Aga in the selection discussion.

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