Mike Hesson, the new coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team, was officially appointed today by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB confirmed the news through a statement on its website.
Hesson, a former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach, will take over as the head coach for Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams starting May 26.
According to the PCB statement, “After reviewing numerous applications for the vacant position, Hesson has been appointed to the role, which has been vacant since Pakistan’s men’s team visited New Zealand in April. Hesson has previously coached several national teams, including Kenya and New Zealand. He is currently the coach of Islamabad United, the defending champions of the Pakistan Super League.”
The PCB Chairman announced Hesson’s appointment on social media platform X, stating, “It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach, Mike Hesson, as the coach of Pakistan’s men’s national team for white-ball formats. Hesson, with his successful past and vast international experience, will contribute to improving this competitive team. Welcome to the team, Mike!”
Hesson will replace Akib Javed, who served as Pakistan’s interim head coach for five months. After Gary Kirsten stepped down, Akib was appointed to the role, and the PCB has now appointed him as the Director of High Performance. According to ESPNcricinfo, even after his new appointment, Akib will continue as a member of the PCB’s selection committee, a role he has held while serving as the interim coach.
Hesson’s name emerged as a strong contender for the coaching role after the vacancy arose in April. The revised schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has led to a clash between the final on May 25 and Pakistan’s national duties starting the following day. Hesson’s first challenge will be the upcoming Bangladesh series, with Pakistan set to host a five-match T20 series. However, due to tensions between India and Pakistan, the series is now uncertain. The revised PSL schedule has confirmed that the final will take place on May 25 in Faisalabad, which could lead to changes in Bangladesh’s tour schedule.
Hesson became New Zealand’s head coach in 2012 and remained with the team for six years, leading them to their first-ever World Cup final in 2015. In 2019, he took on the role of cricket director for IPL’s Royal Challengers Bangalore, which he left in 2023.
Currently, Pakistan’s national team does not have a coach for the red-ball format. There has been no announcement about when this position will be filled. After Jason Gillespie, the former Australian pacer, stepped down as the red-ball coach, Akib Javed took over as the interim coach during the South Africa tour and the home series against the West Indies. Pakistan will play their next Test series at home against South Africa in October.
