Imagine being told you’d never want to coach in a country known for its passionate cricket culture—a place where the sport is practically a religion. That’s exactly what former England captain Michael Vaughan bluntly stated about Pakistan. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Vaughan admires the resilience of overseas coaches like Mike Hesson, who navigate the intricate politics of Pakistani cricket, he openly admits he’d never take on such a role himself. Why? Let’s dive in.
The spotlight has been relentlessly on Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Once celebrated as the nation’s next batting prodigy, Babar has experimented with various roles—opening the innings, batting in the top order, and even anchoring the middle order. Yet, none of these shifts have yielded the expected results. During Pakistan’s defeat to England on February 24, Babar’s struggle for fluency was evident, scoring just above a run-a-ball. This has reignited debates about his form and role in the team.
And this is the part most people miss: Vaughan, speaking on Cricbuzz, praised Hesson for handling Babar’s situation with finesse. He described Babar as an ‘insurance policy’—someone who steps in after early wickets to stabilize the innings. While Babar’s method might seem outdated in today’s aggressive T20 landscape, Vaughan argues it holds value, especially in conditions like Sri Lanka’s, where pitches often favor scores around 150-180. He suggests pairing Babar with more explosive batters, allowing him to play the anchor role effectively.
But here’s the twist: Vaughan’s admiration for Hesson’s political maneuvering comes with a caveat. He believes this approach, while pragmatic, might not be the winning formula for a World Cup. Still, he’d want Babar in his team for specific conditions, like the Pallekele pitch, where consistency against spinners is crucial. ‘If he strikes at 125-130, that’s absolutely fine,’ Vaughan noted, emphasizing the need for cameos from other players to balance the innings.
Now, here’s the bold question: Is Babar’s style a relic of the past, or does it still have a place in modern T20 cricket? Vaughan’s stance sparks debate, especially when considering Babar’s stats. In the 2026 tournament, he’s averaged 22.75 with a strike rate of 112.34—the lowest among batters with 90+ runs. Across his T20 World Cup career, his strike rate of 111.49 is the lowest for any player with 500+ runs. These numbers raise questions about his effectiveness in today’s fast-paced game.
Vaughan’s reluctance to coach in Pakistan isn’t unfounded. He’s had extensive conversations with former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie, who faced significant interference during his tenure. This insight reinforces Vaughan’s decision to steer clear of such a role. Yet, he applauds Hesson and Pakistan’s management for handling the situation ‘perfectly.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Babar’s traditional approach is still relevant in T20 cricket, or is it time for Pakistan to embrace a more aggressive strategy? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
