An awkward yet hilarious moment turned heads just before Pakistan’s three-match T20I series opener against Australia, as head coach Mike Hesson ended up creating an embarrassing scene around Babar Azam during a special team huddle at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Mike Hesson’s awkward moment with Babar Azam goes viral
The occasion was meant to celebrate Babar Azam’s 100th international match for Pakistan at home, and that in front of his own crowd. However, instead of a memorable tribute, the moment turned uncomfortable when the Pakistan head coach struggled to clearly identify Babar in front of the team.
Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Hesson told the team that playing at home in front of their own fans is always special and then congratulated Babar Azam for playing his 100th match for the country at home. Now, the clip of the moment is going viral on social media.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Mike Hesson said in the team huddle ahead of the three-match T20I series opener: “It’s obviously a special occasion to play one game at home in front of your home crowd, but today we’ve got, I guess, you know, one of, umm… one of the greats of Pakistan cricket playing his 100th game for Pakistan in Pakistan today. So, I want to wish Babar Azam congratulations.”
“One of Pakistan’s Great playing his 100th international match in Pakistan for Pakistan”
Mike Hesson congratulated Babar Azam on reaching another milestone.🇵🇰pic.twitter.com/aEPbwD4Neo
— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 29, 2026
Struggling Babar gets new role before T20 World Cup 2026
Earlier, Hesson criticized Babar Azam for his slow scoring, and he was even dropped from the T20I side. But now, he is back for the ongoing Australia series at home as well as for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Now, the Pakistan coach has given Babar a clear role. He wants him to bat at number three in T20Is. In this position, Babar is expected to hold the innings together, control the game with his solid technique, and allow the hitters around him to play freely.
Well, Babar is coming into the Pakistan-Australia T20I series after a disappointing Big Bash League 2025-26 season, where he failed to make a strong impact for Sydney Sixers. That has only added to the scrutiny around his form and approach ahead of the mega event.
Read Also: Pakistan cricketers revolt against Mohsin Naqvi and PCB for backing Bangladesh in T20 World Cup row
Babar Azam’s reverse sweep backfires as Adam Zampa traps him LBW in Lahore
The former Pakistan captain was expected to make his milestone game memorable for everyone, but yet again, he failed to deliver with the bat as he was dismissed for just 24 runs off 20 balls against Australia in the first T20I match in Lahore.
Adam Zampa bowled a clever delivery to Babar Azam. The ball was a googly, bowled on the back of a length around the off-stump area. After pitching, the ball turned back in towards the stumps. Babar tried to change his stance and play a reverse sweep, but he missed the ball, and it hit his pads.
However, the Pakistan star refused to walk away, but Zampa was very confident that he got the big fish. The Australian spinner immediately asked Travis Head to go for a review, and he agreed. First, the UltraEdge showed the bat did not touch the ball at all.
But then the ball-tracking displayed three red lights which meant the ball would have crashed straight into the middle stump. The on-field decision stayed out, and Babar was given LBW out.
