Mike Hesson calls for pink ball to be considered for future Tests in Pakistan

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has backed Babar Azam amid questions over his recent Test form, praised the team's debutants and called for pink-ball cricket to be considered for future Tests in the country.

Speaking at a post-match press conference following the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Hesson pointed to Babar's record in 2026, saying concerns about the batter's form were often exaggerated.

Babar scored 50 in the first innings and 34 in the second as Pakistan and Sri Lanka played out a draw. However, Hesson highlighted that the star batter averages more than 50 in Test cricket this year among players who had played at least 10 innings.

"You look at Babar, he averages over 50 this year in Test cricket, he's the highest average for anybody who's played more than 10 innings. So, to think that he's got an issue, I think is, is can often be overhyped," Hesson said.

Hesson praises Pakistan's Test debutants

The Pakistan head coach also praised the performances of the team's debutants, including Saqib Khan, Mohammad Taha and Tayyab Arif, who made valuable contributions in the opening Test.

Tayyab made an impressive start to his Test career, scoring 57 off 51 balls, while Taha registered 51 off 105 deliveries. Both batters scored half-centuries on debut, helping Pakistan post 434-9 declared in their first innings.

Saqib, meanwhile, made an immediate impact with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 130 runs in Sri Lanka's first innings. His performance helped Pakistan bowl out the visitors for 446 after they had reached 404-4.

Mike Hesson wants pink-ball Tests considered in Pakistan

The first Test was repeatedly disrupted by bad light, with early stumps called on each of the first four days in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan declared their second innings at 284-8, setting Sri Lanka a target of 273. However, the interruptions left both sides with limited time to push for a result, and the match ended in a draw.

Addressing the playing conditions, Hesson said the pink ball should be considered for future Test matches played in Pakistan at this time of year.

"If you want to play Test cricket at this time of year in Pakistan, in Rawalpindi or anywhere, then the pink ball certainly needs to be an option in the future," he said.

The two teams will meet again in the second and final Test, scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21.

The match was originally scheduled to be held in Lahore but was shifted to Rawalpindi by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to rising smog levels in the provincial capital.