Lahore (Sports Desk) — Pakistan’s cricket team failed to progress beyond the Super Eight stage in the T20 World Cup 2026, facing widespread criticism for substandard performances. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed fines of PKR 5 million on each player; however, the responsibility does not rest solely on the players. Head coach Mike Hesson’s unilateral decisions also played a significant role.
According to sources, Hesson took on not just the role of coach but also influenced selectors’ and captain’s responsibilities. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had granted him certain powers, but the coach overstepped, affecting team decisions, which contributed to the Green Shirts’ defeats.
Before the World Cup, the selectors’ chosen squad did not include Babar Azam, but Hesson insisted on his inclusion. Citing middle-order weaknesses observed during the Asia Cup, he deemed the senior batter essential—a decision that backfired, as Babar Azam suffered a severe slump in performance.
