Mike Hesson Archives

Mike Hesson reveals timeline for Pakistan white-ball coaching journey

LAHORE: Mike Hesson, the newly appointed head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket, has provided insight into his tenure with the national team.

Addressing the media here on Monday, Mike Hesson spilled the beans on his coaching role with the Pakistan team.

“I am here as the white-ball coach for two years, that’s my term and within those two years, well slightly more than two years there’s gonna be two World Cups so it’s exciting times, obviously T20 World Cup and One-Day World Cup, but as I said we know we have to start that change now and very much looking forward to it,” Hesson remarked.

The head coach also said that he is part of the committee that picked the bunch of players for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

“Yes, look, I am part of the selection committee, and I was part of the committee that picked a slightly wider squad, and then the coach and captain finalised the 15 from that squad. So I am obviously a big part of that,” he said.

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Mike Hesson emphasises Bangladesh as a competitive opponent, particularly in Asian conditions.

“Look, Bangladesh in these conditions are always challenging. I have also been there [Bangladesh] many times under their own conditions, and they are challenging.

He further added,” There [Bangladesh] seam bowlers have improved the last few years, and they are not reliant on spinners. I think they are well led. We won’t be taking anyone lightly.

For the unversed, Mike Hesson was named as the white-ball head coach of the national men’s cricket team on 13 May.

Hesson also served as the head coach of Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The 50-year-old’s first major assignment will be a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to commence tomorrow on 28 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Nat Sciver-led England defeat West Indies to seal T20I clean sweep

Mike Hesson confirms Babar, Rizwan in Pakistan white-ball plans

LAHORE: Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, has expressed confidence in the abilities of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, calling them vital to the team’s white-ball strategy.

Both senior players were previously dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, a move by the selection committee aimed at giving younger players international exposure.

Rizwan, after leading the side in just two series, was also relieved of T20I captaincy duties, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as the new skipper.

Speaking to the media here, Hesson praised Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s abilities while highlighting specific areas for improvement.

“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are top-class players. Both are a part of our white-ball plans,” He told reporters.

“There are areas where they can improve, and they are working on those,” he added.

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Mike Hesson emphasised an aggressive brand of cricket, stating that they are very clear about the style of play they want to adopt.

“We want to play aggressive cricket, but also smart cricket. We’re very clear about the brand of cricket we want to play,” Mike Hesson explained.

Mike Hesson’s first assignment will be a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

“Our aim is to begin this new journey on a positive note and perform well to improve our rankings,” he said of the home series against Bangladesh.

The new coach further lauded Bangladesh as a competitive opponent and ruled out any complacency, “They are a strong side and play good cricket. We will not take them lightly.”

Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Hesson concluded, “We are fully focused on preparing well for the World Cup and are optimistic about putting in a strong performance during the tournament.”

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Mike Hesson wants ‘match winners’ Babar-Rizwan back in Pakistan T20I team: reports

Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, is reportedly pushing for the return of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into the national T20I team.

Reports suggest that the head coach considers both batters key to the team’s preparations for the 2025 ACC Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Both senior players were previously dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, a move by the selection committee aimed at giving younger players international exposure.

Rizwan, after leading the side in just two series, was also relieved of T20I captaincy duties, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as the new skipper.

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However, Hesson appears keen on bringing back experience into the dressing room, albeit with a fresh approach.

Reliable sources confirm that the former New Zealand coach recently held a strategic meeting with selector Aqib Javed at the PCB headquarters, where player roles and team composition were thoroughly discussed.

Insiders close to the development reveal that Hesson still views Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as “match-winners” but wants the duo to evolve their game, particularly by improving their strike rates and adopting a more aggressive mindset in the shortest format.

While the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled in Faisalabad and Lahore later this month, may still be used to test new faces, the long-term blueprint seems to include a blend of youth and proven performers.

READ: Six Overseas Stars Confirm Availability for Karachi Kings in PSL 10

Mike Hesson appointed as white-ball head coach of Pakistan

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has announced the appointment of former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the national men’s cricket team.

Naqvi announced on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that Hesson has been selected for the position after evaluating numerous applications received for the vacancy.

The role of men’s head coach for the Pakistan men’s team became available following the expiration of interim head coach Aqib Javed‘s contract after the tour to New Zealand in April.

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“After evaluation of numerous applications received against the vacancy, I’m pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach, Mike Hesson, will join us as the new Whiteball Head Coach for the Pakistan National Team, effective May 26th,” Naqvi posted.

“We look forward to his expertise and guidance in shaping the future of Pakistani cricket. Welcome to the team, Mike!”

For the unversed, Hesson had previously served as head coach of various international teams, including New Zealand and Kenya.

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He is also currently serving as the head coach of Islamabad United, who are the defending champions of the Pakistan Super League.

The tenth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was suspended last week due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

The remaining matches of the tournament are scheduled to be played from May 17, with the final taking place on May 25.

As a result, Mike Hesson will join the Pakistan men’s cricket team effective from May 26, 2025, after completing his tenure with Islamabad United.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi reveals date for PSL 10 resumption

Former New Zealand coach reveals reason behind Babar Azam’s struggles in Champions Trophy

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson explained the struggles of top-order batter Babar Azam and the Pakistan team during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar has been Pakistan’s mainstay in the batting lineup for several years, but the right-hander has struggled for form after recording low scores in the eight-team tournament. His last ODI century came during the Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal.

Furthermore, 2017 Champions Trophy winning team Pakistan had a forgettable title defence, suffering back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India before their last group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out.

Hesson, who coached the New Zealand team from 2012 to 2018, addressed the underlying issues of Pakistan cricket and Babar Azam’s performance.

“Babar Azam is no doubt a world-class player, but during the Champions Trophy he was playing with a fear of failure,” he remarked while speaking on his YouTube channel.

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“He is very proficient against left-arm spin bowling; however, we witnessed him playing those spinners cautiously during the tournament, often just nudging the ball for single runs.”

Hesson further correlated Babar’s performances with the leadership changes within Pakistan cricket.

“Although intent was a problem with the Pakistan team in the Champions Trophy, but it was not the biggest issue. The underlying issues are much deeper than just intent.”

“There is a fear of failure among players that impacts their future performances as well,” he observed.

For the unversed, Pakistan cricket has experienced significant instability, having had four chairpersons, 26 selectors, eight coaches, and four captains in the last three years.

Hesson emphasized the need for a more stable leadership structure at the top level in Pakistan cricket.

“The chairman comes for a short-term fix. and obviously he is doing his job. I’m not suggesting a change is necessary, but consistency in leadership is crucial so that it doesn’t adversely impact the team.”

“A chairperson should implement a system that lasts for a certain period, and if they step down, there should be continuity to maintain the integrity of Pakistan cricket.” Hesson said.

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The current Islamabad United head coach highlighted that how continuous changes can affect players’ performances and teams’ contributions.

“This uncertainty forces players to prioritize their own performance over the team’s success. Players are left wondering whether their current leaders will remain in their positions long enough, which leads them to focus on self-preservation,” he stated.

Mike Hesson cited the New Zealand and Australian teams as positive examples, mentioning that their players are not judged on short-term performances.

“15 years ago, the New Zealand team had a similar kind of structure to Pakistan’s, where players fought for their spots instead of prioritizing the team. However, they have now adopted a different mechanism,” he stated.

“Cricket Australia does not make frequent overhauls; they provide players a longer run to prove themselves and asses them based on their performance over time rather than in isolation,” he concluded.

READ: Former cricketer slams decision to ‘rest’ senior players after Champions Trophy debacle