[EXCLUSIVE] Is Mike Hesson becoming Pakistan's Head Coach? PSL 9 Champion Coach in conversation with Saj

[The Bald Eagle]

In an enthralling and joyful conversation, Saj Sadiq tries to pick the brains of the PSL 9 champion head coach Mike Hesson. The former RCB coach helped Islamabad clinch their 3rd PSL title just recently and he covered a variety of intricate points in his latest PakPassion Interview:

• Ecstasy of Winning PSL: Delighted to be champions of PSL in his maiden stint as coach.
• Remarkable Resurgence: After losing three consecutive matches, Islamabad United (IU) staged a phenomenal comeback to win the trophy.
• Views on Shadab Khan's Captaincy: Rated Shadab Khan as an excellent captain with consistent emotions and highlighted his batting prowess at the number 4 slot.
• Persistence with Playing XI: Believed in the team's potential, which allowed players like Imad Wasim and Haider Ali to excel when it mattered most.
• Suggestions for Haider Ali: Hesson sees Haider as a talented player and suggests that with patience, like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson received, he can develop into a fine finisher.
• Take on Aqib Javed's Remarks: Recognizes PSL as a great brand with access to overseas talents throughout the tournament. However, suggests adjusting the tournament window to avoid overlap with other leagues.
• Views on Head Coach Role for Pakistan: PCB approached Mike Hesson during PSL 9, but due to personal commitments, he declined. He remains open to considering the role in the future if circumstances change.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

To me Hesson could be a perfect candidate for the coaching role because he is much experienced and very calm in nature as we have seen during the PSL so he could build a strong bond with players which will allow them to play within their comfort zones.

 

[Asad T]

"Haider Ali has the qualities to become a world-class finisher."
Really high praise from Hesson

 

[Savak]

To me Hesson could be a perfect candidate for the coaching role because he is much experienced and very calm in nature as we have seen during the PSL so he could build a strong bond with players which will allow them to play within their comfort zones.

Can the PCB offer him a deal where he gets to coach Pakistan and he can take leave for the IPL while leaving an assistant. The Pakistani team as it is not heavily committed during the IPL window therefore it makes it easier to give the foreign coach leave during this time period.

Let's be real, if the PCB wants a top tier coach who is known for making a big difference and is also heavily in demand world wide, they will not only have to pay him competitively from a market point of view but will also have to agree to free him up during the IPL.

 

[Asad T]

Can the PCB offer him a deal where he gets to coach Pakistan and he can take leave for the IPL while leaving an assistant. The Pakistani team as it is not heavily committed during the IPL window therefore it makes it easier to give the foreign coach leave during this time period.

Let's be real, if the PCB wants a top tier coach who is known for making a big difference and is also heavily in demand world wide, they will not only have to pay him competitively from a market point of view but will also have to agree to free him up during the IPL.

I honestly think it's going to be really tough to find a good foreign coach.

- There is so much competition from other leagues and countries these days
- Our board and ex players create a toxic environment for them
- Pakistan isn't a great place for them to live tbh and its not easy for them to being their families over due to security concerns

Hesson would be a great coach, but he deserves to coach a team whose board would really support him.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772986934429655300

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Mike Hesson may consider this role in future, but man to have Gary Kirstein right now would be just too exciting. Just imagine how Indians will take this turn of events.

 

[shaz619]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772986934429655300

Kirsten, Gillespi, Hesson ; what a time for Pakistan fans, let them have all three

 

[Asad T]

Kirsten, Gillespi, Hesson ; what a time for Pakistan fans, let them have all three

The question is, how long until the PCB tests their patience? The T20 WC campaign will really test the coaches and how they deal with criticism from ex players, fans and the board.

Even if Hesson won't be out coach, he has at least had an impact on Imad, Shadab, Naseem, Azam etc and I'll take that.

 

[Saj]

What puts many off is the uncertainty within Pakistan cricket.

When the regime changes, the first people who's jobs are under threat are the coaches.

That's why Mickey Arthur played it safe and kept his job with Derbyshire and who can blame him.

 

[Major]

Shadab used to be selfish in the past, but Hesson is coaching this team well.

Shadab dint bowl his last over and gave it to the new kid Shezad.

I think if Hesson becomes the coach of national team, he can guide Shadab well

 

[Savak]

Shadab used to be selfish in the past, but Hesson is coaching this team well.

Shadab dint bowl his last over and gave it to the new kid Shezad.

I think if Hesson becomes the coach of national team, he can guide Shadab well

Doubt he will bother after how we treated Kirsten and Gillespie. Not to forget Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, Andrew Puttick before that.

The only person who got a really long as a foreign coach in Pakistan Cricket was Grant Flower.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Mike Hesson emerges as top contender for Pakistan Head Coach role
Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, potentially succeeding former pacer Aqib Javed in the role.

Hesson, currently the head coach of Islamabad United—three-time champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)—has reportedly been approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).


While the PCB had expressed interest in Hesson last year, he declined at the time due to prior commitments. However, fresh discussions are now underway between the two parties.

Though former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq was also under consideration, Hesson appears to be the frontrunner. The PCB is leaning toward appointing a foreign head coach, continuing a recent trend.

Applicants for the role must hold a Level Three coaching certification, with the board setting a May 4 deadline for submissions. Given the limited pool of available candidates, the PCB is prioritizing a foreign appointment.

Hesson boasts an impressive coaching resume, having guided New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 after succeeding John Wright. He also has experience in high-pressure environments, including coaching stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan’s coaching staff has faced significant instability in recent months. Last April, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie was appointed as Test coach on a two-year deal.

However, after a turbulent tenure marked by inconsistent performances and internal challenges, he resigned in December, just before Pakistan’s home Test series against South Africa.

Gillespie’s exit followed the departure of Gary Kirsten, who stepped down as white-ball head coach in October—just six months into his role.

Reports suggested Kirsten had a strained relationship with PCB officials and struggled to adapt to the team’s management structure.

Following these resignations, former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed was named interim white-ball coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

However, his tenure was extended to include Pakistan’s recent white-ball tour of New Zealand, which featured a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs.

Source: https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/4341...as-top-contender-for-pakistan-head-coach-role

 

[Snowflake]

Mike Hesson emerges as top contender for Pakistan Head Coach role
Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, potentially succeeding former pacer Aqib Javed in the role.

Hesson, currently the head coach of Islamabad United—three-time champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)—has reportedly been approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).


While the PCB had expressed interest in Hesson last year, he declined at the time due to prior commitments. However, fresh discussions are now underway between the two parties.

Though former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq was also under consideration, Hesson appears to be the frontrunner. The PCB is leaning toward appointing a foreign head coach, continuing a recent trend.

Applicants for the role must hold a Level Three coaching certification, with the board setting a May 4 deadline for submissions. Given the limited pool of available candidates, the PCB is prioritizing a foreign appointment.

Hesson boasts an impressive coaching resume, having guided New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 after succeeding John Wright. He also has experience in high-pressure environments, including coaching stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan’s coaching staff has faced significant instability in recent months. Last April, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie was appointed as Test coach on a two-year deal.

However, after a turbulent tenure marked by inconsistent performances and internal challenges, he resigned in December, just before Pakistan’s home Test series against South Africa.

Gillespie’s exit followed the departure of Gary Kirsten, who stepped down as white-ball head coach in October—just six months into his role.

Reports suggested Kirsten had a strained relationship with PCB officials and struggled to adapt to the team’s management structure.

Following these resignations, former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed was named interim white-ball coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

However, his tenure was extended to include Pakistan’s recent white-ball tour of New Zealand, which featured a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs.

Source: https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/4341...as-top-contender-for-pakistan-head-coach-role

There is no way Hesson would take on the role.

We’re not seeing a foreign coach for this team for at least 3-5 years

 

[PakPremi]

Around two weeks ago I wrote about rumour that Mike Hesson is being considered for Pakistan coach position, today there is another rumour that he has reluctantly accepted the position. Not a bad pick considering no big foreign coach want to go in bed with PCB.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Around two weeks ago I wrote about rumour that Mike Hesson is being considered for Pakistan coach position, today there is another rumour that he has reluctantly accepted the position. Not a bad pick considering no big foreign coach want to go in bed with PCB.

This isn't happening after what the world saw happen to Kirsten especially let alone Gillespie.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I think Hesson is a pretty good choice for the Pakistan team, but the real question is, IS HESSON GONNA WORK WITH SUCH AN UNSTABLE MANAGEMENT???

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Mike Hesson hope you are reading.


If you are looking forward to this Role than for your own benefit put these condition else do not accept any offer.


1. Contract for 3 years and if PCB asks you to resign for any reason before the Contract Expires or if PCB wants to terminate your Contract than they should pay you monthly salary till the last date of contract expiry IE 36 months salary ensured.

2. Say and Vote in Selection of Pakistan A, Pakistan Shaheen & Pakistan International Cricket Teams across all formats aswell as Playing Eleven of Pakistan International Team across formats.


Otherwise this Fake Gov backed incompetent, hub of nepotism, meritocracy lacking PCB will do with you as they did with Arthur, Kirsten and Gillespie and many before them.


This would be better for Pakistan Cricket aswell in the long run. This would bring consistency in atleast International Cricket team Coaching.

 

[Hellion]

Don't think Mike Hesson will be involved with any IPL team or county etc.

Very good chance of becoming PAK coach

 

[shehz]

If he’s the coach, then expect Mr. Shadab to be the next “I'm an automatic selection” kinda player

 

[Usman Chadda]

Why would he be stupid enough to take this job? There is no guarantee Mohsin Naqvi stays in the Chairman’s role either, so that needs to be settled first and foremost.

 

[Major]

Why would he be stupid enough to take this job? There is no guarantee Mohsin Naqvi stays in the Chairman’s role either, so that needs to be settled first and foremost.

He wont be stupid, it is a smart decision.

10 test playing nations, you dont get a chance to coach a test nation team every day. Looks good on the resume.

Besides, if you get fired in Pakistan, you get paid the rest or 50% of the salary

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This guy knows firsthand all the issues within Pakistan cricket with the constant hiring and firing coaches, selectors, captains. He saw it unfold like the rest of us just last year. He practically made a video about on his YouTube channel. Why would he want to take this job? Especially after the high-profile Kirsten and Gillespie disasters?

This isn’t a job—it’s career suicide.

 

[Abid Z]

PCB doesn’t always get the best out of its coaches bar Mickey. But Mickeys first tenure was quite long for Pakistan standards. The rest have been a hire and fire quickly strategy going back to 2007. Jeff Lawson, dav whatmore etc all have been discarded too quickly.

The reality is that if we look at the tenures of JG, GK while they are high profile there have been some really odd selections and they just don’t seem to understand the squad or the personnel in the wider pcb/regions. It seemed at times they were a little cocooned and were perhaps rightly curtailed because of lack of time in Pak.

The reality is the only kind of foreign coach that can work for Pakistan is one already familiar with a PSL stint or at least can stay for long periods in Pak watching the wider squad.

 

[Rana]

Now reports suggesting Saqlain Mushtaq is likely candidate


Just keep Aqib going if you are thinking of Saqlain. He’s not a man of authority!

 

[Abid Z]

Now reports suggesting Saqlain Mushtaq is likely candidate


Just keep Aqib going if you are thinking of Saqlain. He’s not a man of authority!

Saqlain has had international experience (and exposure to international standards in policies and procedures) as well as years in county cricket.

Aqib is just a local coach. I’m not sure what exactly he brings to the table apart from being a short term interim choice.

Of course nothing is better than a good foreign coach with enough authority to make real and lasting changes.

 

[Rana]

Saqlain has had international experience (and exposure to international standards in policies and procedures) as well as years in county cricket.

Aqib is just a local coach. I’m not sure what exactly he brings to the table apart from being a short term interim choice.

Of course nothing is better than a good foreign coach with enough authority to make real and lasting changes.

No sorry.

Saqlain has already shown his hand in creating a sunday family club team culture, isolating a select few that fall into that family from the rest of Pakistan cricket…whilst amplifying that select few as the only ones worthy to be considered as cricketers.

Aqib for all his flaws is a man of proper authority, even a chairman as powerful as Naqvi trusts him to do what’s best for Pakistan and not what’s best for select individuals

As I said, if you are not finding a proper coach like Hesson, stick with Aqib if Saqlain is your only option.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

No sorry.

Saqlain has already shown his hand in creating a sunday family club team culture, isolating a select few that fall into that family from the rest of Pakistan cricket…whilst amplifying that select few as the only ones worthy to be considered as cricketers.

Aqib for all his flaws is a man of proper authority, even a chairman as powerful as Naqvi trusts him to do what’s best for Pakistan and not what’s best for select individuals

As I said, if you are not finding a proper coach like Hesson, stick with Aqib if Saqlain is your only option.

Naqvi doesn't seem to trust him enough to give him the gig full time.

I think he realized that Aqib fooled him with his words and now wants to dump him.

 

[Rana]

Naqvi doesn't seem to trust him enough to give him the gig full time.

That wasn’t the agreement anyways. Aqib was overlooking Pakistan’s head coach duties for the NZ series whilst PCB was going to look for their next coach to take over anyways.

Listen to Bakhri’s last video. Aqib will still be the kingpin and head of selection committee.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

So Mike Hesson may be the seventh coach in two years for PCB

After trying six different head coaches over the past two years without achieving positive results in major international tournaments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again advertised for the head coach position. The PCB has also posted a vacancy for the Director of High Performance Centres on its website this week.

Aaqib Javed, who recently served as interim head coach while also acting as a selector, stepped down following Pakistan’s poor showing at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In recent years, Pakistan has struggled in major events like the 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy.

The PCB has seen frequent leadership changes, with Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf, and Mohsin Naqvi each bringing in their preferred coaches, selectors, and captains, resulting in instability and further setbacks for Pakistan cricket. Over the last two years, the national team has been coached by Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Mahmood, Jason Gillespie, Gary Kirsten, and Aaqib Javed, with a seventh coach now being sought.

Hiring a qualified foreign coach may be challenging this time due to strained relationships with previous foreign coaches and recent abrupt departures, such as those of Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten. The PCB has also made several changes in team captaincy since 2023, rotating between Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha, often in response to disappointing performances.

The selection committee and support staff have also seen frequent reshuffling, with figures like Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Yousuf taking on multiple roles, though without notable success. Despite various experiments under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, the team’s performance has not improved.

Aaqib Javed, after his interim coaching stint, is now interested in the Director of High Performance role, which became vacant after Nadeem Khan’s resignation. Other former players, including Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik, are currently working under Wahab Riaz, who now serves as Director of Mentors.

In summary, the PCB continues to overhaul its coaching and management structure, seeking stability and improved results after a period marked by frequent changes and underperformance in international cricket.

 

[Snowflake]

Around two weeks ago I wrote about rumour that Mike Hesson is being considered for Pakistan coach position, today there is another rumour that he has reluctantly accepted the position. Not a bad pick considering no big foreign coach want to go in bed with PCB.

Reluctantly accepted?

What’s the compulsion?