Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach and Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson has been named the new white-ball coach for the Pakistan side. The Kiwi, who will take over the T20I and the ODI side, will begin office after the end of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), from May 26. He is currently serving as the head coach of Islamabad United in the PSL.
The news was confirmed via an official release on the PCB website.
Speaking after the development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said,
“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.
“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!”
Hesson will now replace Aqib Javed, who has been serving in the role in an interim position. Notably, Javed had taken over the role after the premature departures of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. Kirsten had previously resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, after which Test coach Gillespie was assigned to oversee all formats. However, Gillespie’s stint with the PCB also proved short-lived, ultimately leading to his exit.
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Speaking about Hesson’s coaching career, the New Zealander started back in 2003 with Argentina. He later took charge of Kenya in 2005 before becoming New Zealand’s head coach from 2012 to 2018.
During Hesson’s tenure, the Black Caps achieved a historic milestone by reaching the 2015 ODI World Cup final.
As with RCB, he mostly served as their Director of Cricket Operations between 2019-23, whie briefly coaching the side in IPL 2021 when Simon Katich left midway due to personal reasons. During his four year stint, RCB made it to the playoffs thrice.
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