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In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s limited-overs performance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has officially announced the appointment of Mike Hesson as the head coach of the national men’s white-ball teams. The news was confirmed by Geo Super and comes as Pakistan gears up for a packed cricket calendar.
Appointment Effective from May 26
Hesson, a former New Zealand cricketer and a highly regarded coach in international cricket, will officially begin his role on May 26, 2025. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared the news via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“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!”
T20I Series vs Bangladesh Likely to Be Rescheduled
Hesson’s appointment aligns with Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, initially scheduled to begin on May 25 in Faisalabad. However, the timing clashes with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 final, now set to take place on the same date.
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Due to this scheduling conflict, the T20I series is expected to be delayed, with new dates to be announced by the PCB soon. Despite the logistical changes, the series will mark Hesson’s first official assignment with the national side.
A Coach with Proven International Pedigree
Mike Hesson is no stranger to high-pressure coaching environments. He served as the head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team from 2012 to 2018, succeeding John Wright. Under his stewardship, New Zealand reached new heights, including:
- Reaching the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final
- Building a solid, competitive unit anchored by disciplined strategies and emerging talents
Hesson’s calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and ability to build cohesive teams earned him significant respect in the global cricket community.
In addition to his national coaching experience, he has also been involved in franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he worked with top players under immense scrutiny and competitive environments. His IPL experience is expected to benefit Pakistan’s white-ball team, especially in the T20 format.
Focus on White-Ball Formats
As white-ball head coach, Hesson will focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). This appointment underscores the PCB’s commitment to revitalizing its performance in limited-overs cricket, particularly with the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon.
While the PCB has yet to name a head coach for the Test side, Hesson’s appointment is seen as a critical part of the broader strategy to bring stability and long-term planning to the national setup.
Pakistan Cricket Enters a New Era
Hesson’s appointment is being seen as a significant step in Pakistan cricket’s ongoing transition. With a blend of young talent and seasoned players, the national team is in need of a coach who can bring structure, discipline, and innovative tactics — qualities that Hesson has consistently demonstrated throughout his coaching career.
The PCB and cricketing fans alike will be eager to see how this new partnership unfolds, especially with the pressure of upcoming international tournaments and an expectant cricket-loving nation.
