Babar Azam was once again snubbed from the Pakistan T20I team when the PCB selectors announced the squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series. According to rumors circulating since his dismissal, the former Pakistan captain has been requested to take wicketkeeping duties by white-ball coach Mike Hesson in order to recover his spot in the T20I squad.

Hesson, however, put an end to all rumors by stating that he had not offered Babar any suggestions. A number of former players criticized the former New Zealand coach after hearing about Hesson's proposal to Babar. Moin Khan, Sikander Bakht, Rashid Latif, and Basit Ali all voiced their disapproval.

Without holding back, Hesson declared that he had not spoken to the 30-year-old. Additionally, he disclosed that Babar would return as an opener in the T20I lineup if he were to restore his position.

“No discussion took place with Babar where I suggested he also keep wickets. He has never kept wickets in his entire career, and you suggest he keep wickets. This is not the way to treat a former captain and senior," Hesson told reporters as per ESPNCricinfo.

The head coach of Pakistan also clarified reports that he threatened to dismiss players if they batted with a strike rate below 150. According to him, no such discussion has taken place with the players.

“I have also not told the players that if they want to keep their places in the team, they have to bat at strike rates of over 150. We are working on some things in this direction,” Hesson said. 

When it comes to the game's shortest format, Mike Hesson said he is closely collaborating with the selection committee to find individuals who can perform a variety of tasks for the squad.

“We are looking at players who are ready to float in the batting order and perform multiple roles, but that does not mean there will be no spot for specialist players,” Hesson said.

On July 20, Bangladesh and Pakistan will start their T20I series. The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur is the venue for all of the games.

Mohammed Rizwan, Babar, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are still not included in the T20I lineup.

Pakistan squad:

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem