Since interim coach Aqib Javed’s contract ended in February this year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now looking for a permanent head coach for the national team.
Reports suggest that Islamabad United coach Mike Hesson is open to taking on the role with Pakistan’s senior men’s team.
Mike Hesson brings a lot of experience, having coached New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 and leading them to the 2015 World Cup Final. He also served as the Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL from 2019 to 2023.
According to reports, Mike Hesson is a strong candidate for the role of Pakistan cricket team’s head coach, who led Islamabad United to a championship last season while serving as their head coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
As reported by various outlets in the Pakistani media, Hesson, who led Islamabad United to a championship title last season as their head coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is considered a strong candidate and a leading contender for the position due to his experience in both franchise and international cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already reached out to him, along with several other foreign candidates, including Australian Simon Katich and New Zealand’s current batting coach, Luke Ronchi.
After Aqib Javed’s tenure as coach ended due to a disappointing exit in the Champions Trophy group stage, the PCB started its search for a new coach. While Saqlain Mushtaq was one of the candidates considered, Hesson has emerged as a prominent option due to his successful history and the PCB’s previous interest in him in both 2019 and 2024.
However, Hesson has previously turned down offers due to existing commitments, making his availability uncertain. The PCB intends to finalize his appointment before Pakistan’s white-ball series in New Zealand, scheduled to start on March 16, 2026. While Hesson has not made any public statements, sources suggest that the PCB may reach out to him formally in the near future.