The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mike Hesson as the new head coach of the national men’s ODI and T20I teams. The New Zealander will officially assume his role on May 26, ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball commitments. The position had remained vacant since South African Gary Kirsten stepped down last year, with interim duties handled by Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed during that transitional period.
SELECTION AFTER GLOBAL SEARCH
According to the PCB, Hesson was chosen after a thorough evaluation process involving multiple candidates from around the world. > “Hesson comes in to fill the post after evaluation of numerous applications received following the Pakistan men’s team’s tour to New Zealand in April,” said a PCB spokesperson. A COACH WITH GLOBAL EXPERIENCE Mike Hesson brings with him an extensive coaching résumé. He has previously coached New Zealand, where he earned a reputation as one of the game’s most tactical minds, and also held a coaching role with Kenya earlier in his career. Currently, Hesson serves as head coach of Islamabad United, the reigning champions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also made his mark in the Indian Premier League, notably with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he was instrumental in recruiting and mentoring players like Rajat Patidar, now the captain of the franchise.
PCB WELCOMES HESSON’S APPOINTMENT PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his confidence in Hesson’s appointment: > “I am pleased to announce the appointment of former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team. > Mike brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of developing competitive sides. We look forward to his expertise and leadership in shaping the future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. Welcome to the team, Mike!” UPCOMING CHALLENGES Pakistan is scheduled to host Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series later this month. However, the timing of the series may be affected by the resumption of the Pakistan Super League, which is set to restart on Saturday after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The PSL final is now scheduled for May 25, just a day before Hesson officially takes over.
