Former New Zealand cricketer and current Islamabad United coach Mike Hesson is set to become the new head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team, according to journalist Qadir Khawaja, who cited sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The official announcement is expected after May 4.
The PCB has been searching for a permanent replacement for interim coach Aqib Javed, whose contract ended following Pakistan’s disappointing group-stage exit at the Champions Trophy in February.
Hesson, 50, has emerged as the leading candidate due to his impressive coaching credentials and recent success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United.
Hesson previously coached New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final. His tactical expertise and familiarity with Pakistani players—having praised stars like Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan—make him a strong fit for the role.
Hesson has also been vocal about team selections, notably calling Shadab Khan’s exclusion from the national squad a “disgrace.”
The PCB’s interest in Hesson is not new; he was considered for the role in both 2019 and 2024 but declined due to other commitments. With the PCB aiming to finalize the appointment before Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand in March 2026, Hesson’s availability is now a key focus.
Hesson has not made any public statements about the job, but sources say the PCB will approach him formally soon. The cricket community now awaits the official confirmation of Pakistan’s new head coach.
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After what they did to Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, i highly doubt any foreign coach would be willing to even think about this job, it will be either saqlainbor Muhammad Yousuf as new head coach.