Mike Hesson Appointed as Pakistan’s White-Ball Head Coach: PCB Eyes Stability and Strategy
Lahore – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially welcomed Mike Hesson as the new head coach for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket teams, marking a significant move to stabilize and professionalize the national setup after a period of turbulence.
Who is Mike Hesson?
Mike Hesson is a highly respected international cricket coach and strategist, best known for his successful tenure as head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team from 2012 to 2018. Born on October 30, 1974, in Dunedin, New Zealand, Hesson has built a reputation for being calm, analytical, and innovative—qualities that have made him one of the most admired minds in modern cricket coaching.
Mike Hesson – Key Achievements:
🏏 With New Zealand National Team (2012–2018):
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2015 ICC World Cup Finalist:
Under Hesson’s leadership, New Zealand reached the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The team won all matches leading up to the final and earned global praise for their fearless and attacking cricket. -
Consistent Test Success:
Oversaw a transformation in New Zealand’s Test cricket structure, with the team rising in the ICC rankings and achieving consistent home and overseas success. -
Key Player Development:
Played a critical role in grooming and building a strong core team that included Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Ross Taylor. -
Tactical Innovation:
Known for bringing a data-driven and psychology-aware approach to coaching, balancing aggression with strategy.
🏏 In Franchise Cricket:
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), IPL – Director of Cricket (2019–2023):
Played a vital role in squad building and long-term planning. Helped RCB reach playoffs consistently and build a solid core around players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and later, Glenn Maxwell. -
Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings) – Brief Coaching Role:
Served in a consultancy and coaching capacity, bringing analytical depth to team selection and strategy.
Coaching Style & Strengths:
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Strategic Thinker: Known for his analytical mindset and ability to create long-term strategies.
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Calm Leadership: Maintains a low-profile, composed demeanor even under pressure.
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Modern Approach: Embraces technology, analytics, and player management techniques common in top-tier sports teams.
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Player Relations: Widely respected for developing a strong bond of trust with players, allowing him to bring out their best.
Mike Hesson is not just a coach but a cricketing architect—one who builds teams for sustainability and high performance. With his track record of reviving New Zealand cricket and strategic roles in the IPL, his appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball coach is seen as a move towards stability, planning, and professionalism in Pakistan cricket.
A Changing Room of Coaches
Hesson’s appointment follows a volatile three-year span for Pakistan cricket, marked by frequent changes in the coaching setup. Notable figures in this period included:
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Saqlain Mushtaq (Interim Head Coach, 2021–2022)
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Mohammad Hafeez (Team Director, 2023)
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Grant Bradburn (Head Coach, 2023)
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Abdul Rehman (Interim White-ball Coach, 2023)
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Mickey Arthur (Team Director with split responsibilities, 2023–2024)
This constant shuffle created a lack of direction and clarity — a point often highlighted by cricket analysts and former players. Despite the recent conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan failed to make a lasting impact, the PCB is looking forward.
It aims to bring long-term focus and a consistent vision under Hesson’s leadership, especially with the T20 World Cup cycle and future ODI campaigns on the horizon.
