Pakistan Head Coach Assures Babar Azam: “Team Doors Not Closed” Despite Squad Changes

Pakistan cricket team head coach **Mike Hesson** has personally assured **former captain Babar Azam** that the **national team remains open for him**, amid ongoing training sessions and planning for future series.

As per sources, during a **training camp held in Lahore**, the new coaching staff met with various senior players. In his meeting with Babar, Coach Hesson emphasized that **Babar remains part of Pakistan’s future plans** and will be given opportunities when required. He reportedly asked for Babar’s input on team performance and inquired about the format he enjoys playing the most.

A similar meeting was held with **Shaheen Shah Afridi**, where both he and Babar clarified their **availability for all formats** — both red-ball and white-ball cricket.

Despite these discussions, **Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan** are **unlikely to be included in the squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh**, sources revealed. The **team management believes that new players have proven themselves** in recent home series and deserve extended opportunities.

In contrast, **Shaheen Afridi** and **Sufiyan Muqeem** are expected to make a **comeback**, with final decisions expected in the coming days.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a **three-match T20 series in Bangladesh next month**, although the **official dates and venues have not yet been announced** by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

This reassurance from the head coach comes as Babar continues to face **ranking drops and selection speculation**, but his inclusion in long-term plans offers hope for a **potential return to the playing XI** in the near future.