Former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson has been named Pakistan's white-ball team's head coach. Hesson was working with Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 franchise Islamabad United before the tournament was suspended following military conflict escalation on India-Pakistan border.
Hesson succeeeds former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten who resigned within six months as Babar Azam-led Pakistan faced an early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. After Kirsten's abrupt resignation, Aqib Javed served as interim white-ball coach for five months. Javed will now serve as director of High Performance. He will also retain the right to vote in the selection committee.
"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," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
"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!"
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Hesson's coaching career
Hesson has also served as Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) head coach and Director of Cricket for a few seasons. He was New Zealand's head coach when they reached the ODI World Cup 2015 final at home, eventually losing to Australia.
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Hesson's next assignment is at home when Bangladesh tour for a five-T20I series which is scheduled to be played from May 25 to June 3.
Hesson has his work cut out. In ODIs, the Rizwan-led side is placed fifth. Meanwhile, the Salman Agha-led T20I side recently slipped to the eighth place in the ICC T20I rankings.
No red-ball coach yet
Meanwhile, Pakistan are yet to name a new coach for Test cricket. Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie stepped down from the role after six months as he was overruled on a few points.