Mike Hesson To Continue As Pakistan's Interim Test Coach Until WTC Cycle Ends

Pakistan's white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will continue as the national team's interim red-ball head coach until the completion of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. Hesson took charge of the Test side on an interim basis during Pakistan's disastrous tour of England two months ago, and a reliable source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said he has agreed to remain in the role until the end of the current cycle. "Hesson will also be the interim head coach for next year's Test series against New Zealand. The board and head coach have both communicated this to the players," the source said.

Hesson initially joined Pakistan as the white-ball head coach in May 2025 and later assumed responsibility for the Test team after his predecessor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, was dismissed midway through the England tour.

"Hesson's association with Pakistan cricket will be reviewed after next year's World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will also be decided at that stage who will serve as the head coach of the Test side for the next World Test Championship cycle," the source added.

Hesson has emerged as a polarising figure in Pakistan cricket, with opinions divided over the extensive influence he reportedly holds in selection matters and other cricket-related decisions.

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam acknowledged on Sunday that he does not have a role in team selection, stating that those decisions are handled by the team management and selection committee. He said his responsibility was to get the best out of the players available to him.

The source added that Hesson enjoys a close working relationship with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has placed considerable trust in him regarding cricketing decisions.

However, several former players and critics have questioned Hesson's preference for making frequent changes to squads and personnel across formats.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain's Royal Family Welcomes World Cup Champions To Zarzuela Palace