The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mike Hesson as the new white-ball coach of its men's cricket team. This experienced New Zealand coach will begin his role effective May 26. However, the specific duration of his contract has not been disclosed publicly.
50-year-old Mike Hesson is considered a veteran and successful coach. He was the head coach of New Zealand's men's team from 2012 to 2018, a period during which the Kiwi team achieved phenomenal success across all formats. Additionally, from 2019 to 2023, Hesson was part of the coaching staff for the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, delivering impressive performances there as well.
Currently, Hesson serves as the head coach of Islamabad United, who recently claimed the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) title.
Upcoming Challenges for Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson's first challenge as Pakistan coach will be the T20 International series against Bangladesh, though changes to the series schedule are anticipated. He takes over from Aaqib Javed, who became interim coach in October 2024 following Gary Kirsten's sudden resignation. South African Kirsten had been appointed in April 2024 on a two-year contract but stepped down within six months.
Aaqib Javed is now assigned as the High-Performance Director, participating in the decision-making processes linked to the selection committee. PCB Chairperson Mohsin Naqvi expressed delight over Hesson’s appointment, hoping his seasoned experience will elevate Pakistan’s white-ball cricket to new heights.
Naqvi remarked, 'I am pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and seasoned coach Mike Hesson is appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's men's white-ball team. Mike brings a wealth of international experience and a stellar record in developing competitive teams. We expect his expertise and leadership will shape the future of Pakistan's white-ball cricket.'
Hesson, who tasted success as New Zealand's head coach, was considered a frontrunner for the PCB position after it was advertised. Pakistan's performance on the New Zealand tour was subpar following their poor show in this year's Champions Trophy.
Seven Applications for the Post
A total of 7 candidates, including 4 foreign contenders, applied for the position. Hesson is the fifth foreign head coach appointed to the Pakistan team since 2023. Grant Bradburn, Mickey Arthur, Simon Helmot, Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie previously coached the team.
Bradburn, Arthur, Kirsten, and Gillespie all resigned before completing their contracts, while Helmot was appointed as a high-performance coach at the beginning of 2023 solely for one tour to Australia.
Other coaches cited dissatisfaction with PCB's operations and their relationship with it as reasons for their resignations. PCB has frequently changed the assistant staff associated with the men's team, including the crucial head coach position.
Saqlein Mushtaq, Muhammad Hafeez, and Aaqib Javed also held roles as team directors or head coaches with the national team but did not achieve notable success.
