May 13, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. The former New Zealand head coach will take over from May 26, just a day after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season.
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Hesson, currently serving as head coach of Islamabad United — the defending PSL champions — brings with him extensive experience in international cricket and T20 leagues, including a stint in the Indian Premier League. His name had been circulating in coaching circles ever since the PCB began looking for a new white-ball coach following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign and a disastrous tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
According to sources, the PCB received seven applications for the position, including four from foreign candidates. Hesson emerged as the frontrunner given his track record of building competitive and disciplined sides, most notably leading New Zealand through a successful transformation phase.
PCB Backs Hesson’s Vision
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the appointment, highlighting Hesson’s reputation for player development and tactical depth.
“Mike Hesson brings 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,” Naqvi said.
Hesson becomes the fifth foreign head coach appointed to work with the Pakistan men’s team since 2023, following Grant Bradburn, Mickey Arthur, Simon Helmot, Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie. However, the PCB’s frequent changes in coaching personnel have been a subject of concern, as most of these coaches left their roles prematurely, citing dissatisfaction with the board’s internal systems and lack of autonomy.
Frequent Coaching Changes Continue
In recent years, the Pakistan men’s team has seen a high turnover in its coaching staff. In addition to international appointments, local figures like Saqlain Mushtaq, Muhammad Hafeez, and Aaqib Javed have also served as either head coach or team director, but with limited success.
Interestingly, Aaqib Javed — who was recently serving as interim head coach — has now been appointed as the new Director of the National Cricket Academy, in what appears to be a broader overhaul of Pakistan’s cricketing structure.
As Pakistan eyes major ICC tournaments and prepares to rebuild its white-ball strategy, all eyes will now be on Mike Hesson to bring stability and vision to a team eager for revival.