Mike Hesson Archives

Mike Hesson explains Babar Azam demotion in Namibia clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has revealed reason behind Babar Azam’s demotion in the batting order during the Namibia clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media ahead of New Zealand fixture, Hesson cited Babar Azam’s strike rate in the first six overs, stating that the batter is aware of his strike rate in the World Cup.

“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.

“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” he added.

The head coach also said that there are several other options available to step in and fulfill that role, and Babar himself recognizes this.

“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that, ” he continued.

“He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently,” the 51-year-old said.

Mike Hesson also emphasizes Pacer Salman Mirza’s recent performance, calling him unlucky to miss out on the high-stakes India-Pakistan fixture.

“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” he said.

“To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”

He concluded by acknowledging that New Zealand is well aware of the conditions and they must do their best to emerge victorious.

“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.”

READ: England Lions outplay Pakistan Shaheens in series opener

Mike Hesson clarifies video of heated exchange with Agha

COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has clarified a video that appeared to show a heated exchange with captain Salman Ali Agha, stating that the situation was misunderstood.

On February 18, Hesson appeared to be engaged in a heated exchange with Salman Ali Agha during Pakistan’s clash against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The video, widely circulated online, showed Agha throwing his bottle to the ground in anger.

The visuals soon caught the attention of fans on social media, with various speculations about the conversation between them.

Speaking ahead of the New Zealand clash, Hesson explained that the situation had been misunderstood, noting that he had approached Salman Ali Agha to ask Nawaz to put on his pads.

“I’ve seen the video that was sent to me, and you’ve got it completely wrong. Let me explain what actually happened. I was walking over to speak to Salman and to ask Nawaz to put his pads on as a left-hander,” he told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

“Agha had just gotten out and was understandably upset, so he threw his bottle to the ground. It had nothing to do with the conversation we were having,” he added.

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The coach further said that it was just a simple discussion, and Agha was not involved at all.

“Once the left-arm spinner had finished his over, we discussed Shadab getting his pads on to come in. It was a very straightforward conversation, and Agha wasn’t even part of it,” he continued.

He was simply disappointed about his dismissal and happened to be nearby. It’s remarkable how easily situations can be misinterpreted,” Hesson concluded.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play New Zealand tomorrow and England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight encounter on Feb 28.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

READ: WATCH: Saqlain Mushtaq hilarious Pakistan XI for New Zealand clash

Hesson reveals reason behind Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup exclusion

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that conditions played a major role behind Haris Rauf omission from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

While addressing the media on the occasion of the team announcement, Hesson revealed that Pakistan’s decision to take only three specialist seamers for World Cup were due to Sri Lanka conditions.

“When we decided to only take three seamers in Sri Lanka, there were obviously going to be some key seamers,” Hesson told reporters.

The head coach furhter elaborated that Haris Rauf was in contention but ultimately missed out due to limited slots.

“Wasim Jr, Ahmed Daniyal and Haris Rauf were certainly considered, but unfortunately there’s no spot. The three that are going — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza — can all bowl in all three phases of the game, which is really important when you’re potentially going to play two in Sri Lanka,” he explained.

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Hesson mentioned the previous editions of the World Cup where conditions allowed an extra seamer, noting that Faheem Ahsraf provides an all-round option incase if a third pacer is required.

“In previous World Cups and previously, we have always taken an extra seamer there because conditions have dictated that, whereas in this situation we haven’t gone down that path,” he stated.

“We have only picked three frontline seamers, with Faheem Ashraf as the all-rounder if we decide to play three, so that was pretty straightforward, and some very good players missed out,” Hesson revealed.

For those unwared, Rauf’s last appearance for Pakistan in T20I cricket came during the Asia Cup final against India on September 28, 2025, a match in which he struggled, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs while defending 146.

The performance raised questions about his ability to handle pressure in big moments, and he has not featured in the national T20I team since.

He was also left out of the T20I squads for the away series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Australia.

Earlier, Pakistan revealed the squad for T20 World Cup 2026 with skipper Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation

Confident Usman eyes World Cup glory under Mike Hesson

Wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan says Pakistan are ‘well prepared’ to lift the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Speaking in an interview with Cricinfo on the sidelines of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Usman expressed confidence in lifting the T20 World Cup under the coaching of Mike Hesson.

The 30-year-old UAE cricketer, who switched to play for Pakistan in 2024, is currently playing for Dhaka Capitals.

“Our coach Mike Hesson has prepared us very well ahead of the World Cup,” he said.

“We will play Sri Lanka and Australia in the coming month as part of our preparation. We have a great combination in the team, and we are confident about our chances in the World Cup,” he continued.

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He emphasizes the conditions in Sri Lanka, where he will be playing for the first time, although Pakistan has yet to name its T20 World Cup squa

“I am heading to Sri Lanka for the first time. Playing in Dambulla will give us a good opportunity to understand the wickets ahead of the World Cup,” Usman said.

“The conditions are similar to what we faced in the recent tri-series. I am preparing for those wickets and focusing on handling fast bowling. We aim to win the series in Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

For those unware, Pakistan will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka which will be followed by home fixtures against Australia in a bid to fine tune their prepartations for the mega event.

As per the hybrid model, the Green Shirts will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, which will start on 7 February, an event jointly hosted by India.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

Pakistan will open the World Cup campaign with the match against the Netherlands, which will be followed by a clash against USA on 10 February.

The highly anticipated match of the event between defending champions India and Pakistan will be played on 15 February.

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Hesson returns to New Zealand as Pakistan’s home season concludes

White-ball head coach Mike Hesson headed back to New Zealand on Sunday after overseeing a successful home season with the Pakistan men’s cricket team.

The Green Shirts ‘ packed home season ended with a T20I tri-series triumph over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

During the home season, Pakistan played a complete series against South Africa, which included two Test matches, three ODIs, and same number of T20Is.

The Test series ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Green Shirts emerging victorious in both the ODI and T20I series.

They then faced Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series, completing a 3-0 before taking on the Islanders and Zimbabwe in the T20I tri-series.

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Notably, Pakistan lost only three matches – one ODI and two T20Is – and won each of the four series.

Nonetheless, Mike Hesson originally hailing from New Zealand, expressed his joy over the Pakistan team’s successful home season in a social media post.

“This is the face of a tired but happy man. Tonight I start my long journey home back to New Zealand for a few weeks’ break. Missing my family and some warm summer weather,” Hesson wrote.

“So delighted to have finished the season with a win, well played boys,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan cricket team will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in January.

The series is expected to be played from January 8 to 12, with all three matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The upcoming World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan set to play all their matches on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model.

Tentative schedule of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka

1st T20I – 8 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

2nd T20I – 10 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

3rd T20I – 12 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

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Mike Hesson hails Faisalabad’s long-awaited international cricket return

FAISALABAD: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson expressed delight at the return of cricket to Iqbal Cricket Stadium after a 17-year gap, praising the locals’ friendly and warm welcome.

The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan will commence tomorrow, marking a new dawn in the city’s cricketing landscape as the venue prepares to host its first ODI in 17 years.

The last international played here was between Pakistan and Bangladesh back in 2008.

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Hesson expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received here upon arriving in Faisalabad for the first time.

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“Personally, this is my first time in Faisalabad, as well as the first international match to be played in the city for 17 years,” Hesson wrote on his social media handle.

“The Faisalabad locals have been incredibly friendly and welcoming. We are all very much looking forward to the start of the ODI series, hoping and preparing to put on a show for the people of Pakistan,” the post caption read.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

Schedule Pakistan-South Africa Series

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

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Mike Hesson breaks silence on Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from T20I squad

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has opened up on the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris from the T20I squad for the series against South Africa.

The 24-year-old, who debuted in 2022, has featured in 35 T20Is, scoring 555 runs at an average of 17.34, including one century and a fifty.

He was part of the Pakistan squad in the recent ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025, where he began brightly with a half-century against Oman but could not sustain his form, finishing the tournament with 131 runs in six innings at 21.83.

Mike Hesson, while speaking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, said Haris had been given “ample opportunities” to cement his place in the national side but failed to make them count.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

“Mohammad Haris has had plenty of chances, and even he would admit he hasn’t made the most of them,” Hesson remarked.

He also advised the wicketkeeper-batter to focus on improving his decision-making when playing his shots.

“I wouldn’t say his career is over, but he needs to improve his decision-making with the bat. Even in domestic cricket, his batting average is around 17, the same as in international cricket,” he added.

Notably, Haris has now been replaced by Usman Khan, who returns to the side after last playing in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.

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Hesson explained that Usman’s inclusion was based on conditions and team balance ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“Usman Khan is a very good player of spin,” Hesson said.

“We see a wicketkeeper batting more through the middle than at the top, and with the World Cup in Sri Lanka, handling spin will be crucial. That’s why Usman was given the opportunity.”

Usman, who has represented Pakistan in 19 T20Is, has 239 runs at an average of 14.93 and a strike rate of 121.93, with one half-century to his name.

READ: PCB reveals pink kit for first T20I against South Africa

Mike Hesson reveals Babar Azam’s batting position for South Africa T20Is

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed the batting position of Babar Azam in the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa.

Babar has returned to the limited-overs side, having last played against South Africa in 2024.

Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Hesson reflected on the team’s combination and shared his thoughts on Babar Azam’s inclusion.

“I certainly endorse his selection, and he is likely to bat at the number three, and I am hoping that he will do well,” Hesson revealed.

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The head coach also revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman from the T20I squad.

“Fakhar has been rested so that he returns fresh for the ODIs.” “We gave Mohammad Haris several opportunities, but he couldn’t make the most of them. He is a young player and needs to improve his batting in domestic cricket,” Hesson remarked.

“Usman Khan plays spin well, which will be an advantage in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Hesson further praised South Africa as a formidable opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

Hesson further hailed South Africa as a challenging opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

“South Africa are a dangerous side.” “The team that lost to Namibia was a different one.” “We already have 15 players in mind for the World Cup, with competition for one or two spots,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the T20I series will begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the remaining two matches held on October 31 and November 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

South Africa Squad

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

Pakistan Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

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Mike Hesson reveals why Salman Ali Agha skipped post-match interview

DUBAI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson opened up on skipper Salman Ali Agha not participating in the post-match interview after the clash against India here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set a partly 128-run target, India comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of three wickets in 15.5 overs.

India started off with a flyer as Abhishek Sharma made 31 off just 13 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries. The audacious knock from the left-hander set the tone for the coming batters to milk Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Despite Saim Ayub dismissing Shubman Gill (10) and Sharma inside the powerplay, untroubled India cruised through the chase courtesy of a 56-run stand between Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma.

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Suryakumar remained unbeaten, scoring 47* off 37 balls, an innings laced with five boundaries and a six.

Interestingly, the drama unfolded when both teams avoided a customary handshake at the end of the match.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands during the toss.

Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, Hesson expressed disappointment over the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands.

“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We obviously were disappointed that you know our opposition didn’t do that, and we sort of went over there to shake hands, and they’d already gone into the changing room”, he told reporters.

“So that was a disappointing way for the match to finish match,” he added.

Regarding Salman Ali Agha’s post-match interview, he revealed that it was the consequence of India’s refusal to shake hands.

“I think it’s just a flow-on effect of the fact that you know we were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match, that didn’t happen, and you know that was pretty much the end of it,” he concluded.

READ: Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason behind no-handshake in India-Pakistan clash

Mike Hesson breaks silence on Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan strike rates

DUBAI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson opened up on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s strike rates amid the debate surrounding their style of play and the modern-day requirements of T20I cricket.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not part of Pakistan’s shorter format plans, with their previous appearance in the T20Is coming in December 2024 against South Africa.

Both players, who have captained Pakistan in T20Is, were left out of the team despite being the most successful pair in the shorter version of the game.

Speaking to the reporters in the pre-match press conference, Hesson addressed the debate surrounding the ace duo’s strike rates.

“I think being honest in your assessment of players is important. What matters is coming from a place with no agenda, being objective, and being clear. I haven’t talked about anyone’s frailties specifically, but I have alluded to the demands of the modern game,” he said.

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“The strike rates required in the powerplay, especially in good conditions, are different now than they used to be. Players ask for honesty—they want to know what they need to work on. If you provide that feedback, there’s always a way back for them, ” Hesson explained.

He emphasized honesty and team requirements, mentioning that it’s players’ responsibility to improve in certain areas.

“It’s not about liking a player or having a relationship with them; it’s about being honest about their role and what the team needs. Then it’s up to the players to work on those areas. That’s what I ask of anyone, whether they’re current players or trying to fight their way back into the team,” the coach said.

Mike Hesson highlighted team totals, stressing team team-first approach while noting that all other factors like strike rates, averages, and six counts are secondary.

“For me, it’s about the sum of the parts. What does the team achieve on the day, and is it good enough? Sometimes 150 is a winning score, sometimes 190 isn’t. It’s about assessing what’s required to win and whether we can get above that. That’s all that matters—not averages, not strike rates, not six counts,” he concluded.

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