The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson as the new head coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s white-ball formats, covering One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. This decision follows the resignation of Gary Kirsten in October 2023 after only seven months in the role, due to differences with the PCB. Aaqib Javed temporarily took on the role of white-ball head coach before next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
In an announcement via a press release, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed excitement over Hesson’s appointment, revealing that after evaluating numerous candidates, the board is confident in Hesson’s ability to guide Pakistan cricket into a new phase. “After evaluating numerous applications, I’m pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach, Mike Hesson, will join us as the new White-ball Head Coach for the Pakistan National Team,” Naqvi wrote, confirming that Hesson will officially begin his tenure on May 26, 2025.
After evaluation of numerous applications received against the vacancy, I'm pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and renowned coach, Mike Hesson, will join us as the new Whiteball Head Coach for the Pakistan National Team, effective May 26th. We look forward to…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) May 13, 2025
Naqvi further stated, “We look forward to his expertise and guidance in shaping the future of Pakistani cricket.” Hesson, who currently serves as head coach for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, brings extensive experience from his time as head coach of New Zealand and Kenya, among other international teams.
Mike Hesson, the former head coach of the New Zealand cricket team, has also coached Argentina, Kenya, and Otago in New Zealand’s domestic cricket. He was appointed head coach of New Zealand on July 20, 2012, succeeding John Wright ahead of their tour of India. His contract was extended multiple times, with plans to continue through the 2019 Cricket World Cup. However, Hesson resigned on June 7, 2018, concluding his tenure as one of the most successful coaches in New Zealand’s cricketing history.
In addition to Hesson’s appointment, Aaqib Javed has been named the Director of High Performance to further strengthen Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure. Naqvi took to social media to welcome Javed’s appointment, saying, “Aaqib Javed joins us as Director of High Performance, complementing Mike Hesson’s appointment as White-ball Head Coach. Together, they will play a pivotal role in the evolution and success of Pakistan Cricket.”
To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, Aqib Javed joins us as Director of High Performance, complementing Mike Hesson’s appointment as White-ball Head Coach. Together, they will play a pivotal role in the evolution and success of Pakistan Cricket.
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) May 13, 2025
Aaqib Javed had previously stepped down from his position as head coach following Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. This development comes just weeks before Bangladesh’s T20 team is set to tour Pakistan for a five-match series starting May 25.
The appointment of Hesson comes at a crucial time for Pakistan cricket, following a series of disappointing results in major international tournaments, including the 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. With Hesson and Javed at the helm, the PCB is hopeful for a rejuvenated performance from the national team in upcoming international events.
