In a massive call during Pakistan’s must-win Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday, batting stalwart Babar Azam was part of the playing XI but never took the field with the bat. Pakistan, however, recorded a commanding 102-run victory to secure a place in the Super 8 stage, but the decision to not send Babar to bat triggered huge discussion. Pakistan, deciding to bat were cruising at 107/2 when skipper Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson chose to reshuffle the batting order. 

Rather than sending Babar in at No. 4, the management promoted young batter Khawaja Nafay and later Shadab Khan ahead of him, leaving Babar stranded in the dugout through the end of the innings. Meanwhile, speaking on the decision, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained the rationale behind the decision. He noted that Babar’s strike rate in the powerplay portion of this World Cup has been below what Pakistan wanted, which influenced the reshuffle.

"Babar is well aware of that. I think he's well aware (of his) strike rate in the powerplay in World Cups is less than 100 in T20s. 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," Hesson said at the press conference.

"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."

"So, the other day we got to the 12th over mark, and at that point, Babar Azam is not the best person to come in. We've got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. He knows that he's got a certain set of skills that the team require, and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently," added Hesson.

Pakistan are now gearing up to face New Zealand in their Super 8 match, scheduled to be held on Saturday in Colombo.