Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand head coach, has been appointed as the new white-ball head coach for the Pakistan men's cricket team. Hesson, currently coaching Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will join the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on May 26, following the conclusion of PSL 2025. His contract is understood to be for two years. Hesson’s appointment follows a series of changes in the coaching staff, including the departure of Gary Kirsten and the interim role of Aqib Javed. This appointment marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s cricket leadership, with Hesson bringing extensive international experience.
A New Era for Pakistan’s White-Ball Cricket
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of Pakistan’s men’s cricket team, starting May 26, 2025. This marks the culmination of a period of uncertainty in Pakistan’s coaching setup, with multiple changes and transitions within the leadership structure over the past year.
Hesson, 50, is widely regarded for his successful tenure as the head coach of New Zealand from 2012 to 2018. Under his leadership, New Zealand became a formidable force in world cricket, including reaching the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where they finished runners-up to Australia. Hesson’s track record of building competitive sides and his wealth of international experience makes him a promising choice for the PCB as they look to strengthen their white-ball cricket strategy.
A Smooth Transition Amid Coaching Changes
Hesson’s appointment comes after a period of upheaval for Pakistan’s coaching staff. Aqib Javed had been serving as the interim head coach for the past five months following the sudden resignation of Gary Kirsten. Kirsten had stepped down six months into his two-year contract, leaving Pakistan’s white-ball team in need of stable leadership.
Aqib Javed’s interim role has now ended, and he will transition to the newly created position of Director of High Performance, where he will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure. Notably, Javed will retain his position as one of the five voting members of the PCB selection committee, a role he maintained even during his stint as head coach.
The PCB, under the leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, quickly moved to secure Hesson’s services once the role became vacant in April. Naqvi expressed confidence in Hesson’s ability to lead the team, stating, “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.”
Hesson’s First Assignment and the Road Ahead
Hesson’s first challenge as head coach will likely be a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to be held at home. This series is slated to take place in the coming months, pending no changes to the schedule. The series will offer Hesson an early opportunity to begin shaping Pakistan’s white-ball strategies and make his mark on the team.
Having previously coached in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Hesson brings a diverse set of experiences to his new role. His extensive international coaching experience, particularly in high-pressure tournaments such as the World Cup, is expected to be a valuable asset as Pakistan looks to enhance its white-ball game.
Pakistan’s Red-Ball Coaching Situation
While Pakistan now has a solidified white-ball coaching structure, the team remains without a dedicated red-ball head coach. The position has been vacant since Jason Gillespie's departure earlier in the year. Javed, in his interim capacity, served as the head coach for Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa and West Indies but has since transitioned into his role as Director of High Performance.
The lack of a permanent red-ball coach raises questions about the direction of Pakistan’s Test cricket program, especially with their next Test series against South Africa scheduled for October. The PCB has yet to announce when a new red-ball coach will be appointed, leaving an air of uncertainty over the team’s preparations for future Test matches.
Strategic Vision for the Future
With Hesson’s appointment, the PCB is signaling its intent to bolster Pakistan’s performance in white-ball formats, particularly in the lead-up to future ICC events such as the T20 World Cup and the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Hesson’s deep understanding of international cricket dynamics, coupled with his experience coaching diverse teams in different formats, is expected to help Pakistan’s cricketers build a more cohesive and competitive unit.
The challenge now lies in ensuring that Pakistan's white-ball team evolves under Hesson's leadership while maintaining momentum in the fast-paced world of T20s and One-Day Internationals. As the PSL 2025 concludes and Hesson steps into his new role, Pakistan’s cricketing future looks poised for a new chapter of success under his guidance.
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