In a massive development for Pakistan cricket team, Mike Hesson has been given the reins of white ball team. Pakistan’s next white ball assignment is against Bangladesh commencing on 25th May in their own backyard. Mike Hesson‘s expertise can help the Men in Green who are going through a massive transition.
Pakistan & Bangladesh need to quickly pull up their socks given T20 WC 2026 is in less than 10 months. BCB astonishingly have made Litton Das, the skipper who was ignored by the board for ICC CT 2025 given his lack of big scores. Under Litton’s leadership, the side had won T20I Series by 3-0 against West Indies which might have prompted the board to bring back Litton in white ball cricket.
Mike Hesson brings international experience- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was having an interaction with the media. PCB Chairman was quite delighted to have Mike Hesson in the coaching setup. PCB Chairman pointed out that Aaqib Javed would work in the director of high performance and would relinquish his white ball head coach post.
“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!,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, we are pleased to welcome Aqib Javed as the Director of High Performance. His appointment, alongside Mike Hesson as the white-ball Head Coach, marks a significant step forward in our strategic vision for Pakistan Cricket. Together, their expertise and leadership will play a pivotal role in the development, evolution and success of our national setup.” he added.
Mike Hesson a stellar coach
Mike Hesson was the head coach of New Zealand from 2012-18. Hesson transformed New Zealand cricket and was quite instrumental during 2015 WC in which the Black Caps reached to the final. Mike Hesson is currently the head coach of Islamabad United (ISU) in the ongoing PSL edition.
It can be said that Hesson’s appointment is a strategic one but given the recent history of overseas head coaches; it might be concerning. Gary Kirsten resigned in October 2024, Jason Gillespie resigned just before ICC CT 2025 from across all formats and both were not that happy with the board at all. Aaqib Javed was given absolute authority in ICC CT 2025 and the tourney wasn’t that memorable one for Men in Green.
With T20 WC 2026 around the corner and not many back-to-back T20I matches, the task will be cut out for Hesson to bring back camaraderie in the team and a never to say die attitude. The same applies for Bangladesh’s head coach Phil Simmons who has got an extension despite the debacle in ICC CT 2025. Hesson & Simmons are in a similar yet different territory who have a mammoth task of making their respective team world class again.