'I would never want to coach in Pakistan': Former England captain's blunt take
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The debate surrounding Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam continues to dominate discussions at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite struggling with form and adapting multiple roles in the tournament, Babar has faced increased scrutiny. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan praised head coach Mike Hesson for effectively managing Babar's role, describing him as an "insurance policy" who can anchor the innings and perform well in specific conditions like those in Sri Lanka. Vaughan also highlighted the challenges of coaching in Pakistan, sharing insights from his conversations with former coach Jason Gillespie, who faced interference during his tenure. Vaughan admitted he would avoid such a role himself.
Babar's performance stats have been underwhelming in this tournament, with an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34, the lowest among players with over 90 runs. While his overall T20 World Cup record is impressive—640 runs at an average of 33.68 and a strike rate of 111.49—he has struggled to match expectations in this edition. Vaughan argued that Babar's value lies in his ability to play spinners effectively, making him a crucial asset in certain conditions.
Vaughan’s comments underscore the complexities of managing star players like Babar Azam, who are central to Pakistan’s strategy but require careful handling. His analysis also sheds light on the challenges faced by foreign coaches in Pakistan's cricket environment, as highlighted by Gillespie's experiences. This context adds depth to understanding why Hesson's approach has been both effective and necessary.
The broader implications of this discussion matter for readers interested in global cricket dynamics. It highlights how player management and coaching strategies can impact a team’s performance, especially under pressure in high-stakes tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Vaughan’s insights provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by players and coaches, offering valuable analysis for cricket enthusiasts following Pakistan's journey in the tournament.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026