PCB Finalizes Mike Hesson as New Head Coach
Hesson's coaching resume, including a stint with New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 and experience in high-pressure environments like the Indian Premier League, makes him an ideal candidate for the role, and the PCB is confident that he will be able to make a positive impact on the team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalized former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as the new head coach of the national men's cricket team, with Hesson expected to take over after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
Hesson, who is currently coaching Islamabad United in PSL 10, has a strong background, having served as head coach of the New Zealand national team and as Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is considered the frontrunner for the post, with former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq also under consideration. The PCB has advertised the post of head coach for the national team for the seventh time in two years, following a string of unsuccessful coaches.
The previous six coaches, including Aaqib Javed, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Mahmood, Jason Gillespie, and Gary Kirsten, failed to deliver in key international contests. The PCB has also advertised the position of director high performance centres on its website. The board has had complicated relations with foreign coaches in the past, with Geoff Lawson and Mickey Arthur being sacked in controversial circumstances.
Since 2023, the PCB has made several changes in national team's captaincy, including removing Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan as captains. The board has also made numerous changes to the national selection committee, with some selectors being given new roles. Former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been given different roles, including chief selector, senior team manager, and director of mentors, but has not been successful in lifting the national team's performance.
The appointment of Mike Hesson as the new head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team is expected to bring stability and improvement to the team's performance, and the PCB is hoping that he will be able to lead the team to success in international contests.