Lahore, May 14, 2025 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed veteran New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as the new head coach of Pakistan’s men’s white-ball cricket team.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s coaching setup ahead of a crucial international season.
Mike Hesson, who boasts an extensive coaching résumé, will assume his responsibilities starting May 26, just one day after the final of Pakistan Super League Season 10 (PSL X), scheduled for May 25. The PCB confirmed that Hesson was selected after a detailed evaluation process that considered numerous applicants for the vacant coaching role following the team’s tour of New Zealand in April.
Hesson, widely regarded as the most successful coach in New Zealand’s cricketing history, led the Black Caps from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, New Zealand reached the final of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2015 and gained international acclaim for their disciplined and competitive performances. He has also served as the head coach of Kenya and contributed to the development of various international and domestic teams across the globe.
Currently, Hesson is no stranger to Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem. He coached Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League since 2023 and recently led them to the PSL 9 championship. His familiarity with local players and conditions gives him a head start as he transitions into the national coaching role under the PCB’s vision.
The PCB emphasized that Hesson’s leadership aligns with its broader strategy to elevate Pakistan’s white-ball cricket through expert coaching and data-driven decision-making. This is part of a long-term effort by the PCB to enhance performance standards and consistency in T20I and ODI formats.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the new coach, stating, “I am pleased to announce Mike Hesson’s appointment as head coach for our white-ball formats. He brings exceptional coaching credentials and a deep understanding of the modern game. The PCB is confident that Mike Hesson will help shape a more competitive and focused Pakistan white-ball squad.”
With this appointment, the PCB has once again demonstrated its commitment to hiring world-class professionals like Mike Hesson to advance the national team’s ambitions on the global stage.