Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been told to improve his batting against spin and boost his overall strike rate to be considered for Twenty20 Internationals, coach Mike Hesson said.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said former skipper Babar Azam must improve his batting against spin and boost the strike rate to return to T20 internationals. Babar's omission from Pakistan's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup was a big call considering the 30-year-old had been the batting mainstay in their national side across formats.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan remains Pakistan cricket’s hottest debate, with Babar’s consistency and records outshining Rizwan’s fighting spirit in ODI cricket.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is urged to enhance his batting against spin and increase his strike rate for T20 International consideration. Despite being a pivotal figure in other formats, Azam hasn't played a T20I since last year's South Africa tour.

The star duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continued to remain absent from T20Is as Pakistan announced their Asia Cup squad on Sunday.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez said Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are no longer “key players,” stressing they must re-prove themselves. He praised youngsters like Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz,

When comparing the two, Babar Azam clearly has more experience and better numbers as a captain. However, the PCB has decided to invest in Salman Ali Agha as a long-term option, signaling a shift towards building a younger side. The Asia Cup 2025 will be the real test of whether this gamble pays off.

Star South Africa batter Dewald Brevis put in an excellent showing against Australia in the third T20I of the ongoing series. The star batter moved past Pakistan's Babar Azam in an alite list but fell just short of Virat Kohli.