Rawalpindi: Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson has clarified the team’s selection policy and the decision regarding senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, stating that the move was made in line with long-term team planning and performance considerations.
Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi, Hesson said that Mohammad Rizwan has not been part of the T20 squad since he took charge as head coach. He emphasized that the selection decisions were made based on team requirements rather than individual reputation.
“Since I took over as head coach, Mohammad Rizwan has neither been part of the T20 squad nor the captain,” Hesson stated.
The head coach further explained that after the West Indies ODI series, the team management felt it was necessary to reconsider leadership roles in the limited-overs format. He suggested that Rizwan’s captaincy did not produce the level of team performance expected by the management.
Hesson said the primary focus is to build a balanced team that prioritizes collective performance over individual contributions.
“We have to select a team based on the overall benefit of the side, not just individual performances,” he said.
He added that dropping Rizwan was also intended to send a broader message to other players about performance expectations and accountability within the squad.
According to Hesson, the decision is part of a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening team depth and increasing the number of available options ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for next year.
“We have given a message to other players as well. Over the past year, players’ confidence has improved, and we need to explore more options ahead of the World Cup,” he added.
The comments come amid ongoing discussion and debate among cricket fans and analysts regarding team selection policies, leadership changes, and the future direction of Pakistan cricket in the T20 format.
Mohammad Rizwan has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in recent years across all formats. However, team management appears to be experimenting with combinations as part of a broader rebuilding phase.
Cricket analysts believe that Pakistan’s current approach reflects a transition period in which the team is attempting to develop new leadership options and strengthen bench depth ahead of major international tournaments.
Selection decisions involving senior players often spark strong reactions among fans, and Rizwan’s exclusion from the T20 setup has generated significant discussion on social media platforms.
Despite this, the coaching staff maintains that decisions are being made with a long-term vision focused on performance consistency, adaptability, and preparing a competitive squad for upcoming global events.
Pakistan cricket is currently undergoing a phase of restructuring, with management aiming to improve results through strategic selection changes and performance-based evaluations.
