Lahore, June 5, 2025: Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has acknowledged the weight of expectations and the complex history surrounding his role, vowing to bring a long-term, collaborative approach to transform the national team.
In a wide-ranging interview on the PCB Podcast, the 50-year-old former New Zealand coach shared insights into his decision to take the job, his early impressions, and his strategy for sustainable progress.
“I’ve come in with my eyes wide open,” said Hesson. “I understand the history, the expectations, and the challenges. What mattered most to me was having open conversations with the PCB leadership to make sure we’re aligned on the bigger picture — that results won’t come overnight, and that we must build toward peak performance at the right time.”
Hesson emphasized the importance of internal alignment across the board — from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and selectors to senior players and PCB officials.
“Everyone in key positions must be on the same page. We might have different views on how to get there, but if we agree on where we’re headed, we can trust the process,” he explained.
Rejecting the idea of a quick-fix stint, Hesson described his appointment as a “medium-term project” — one that goes beyond series-to-series gains.
“This is not about a six-month turnaround. I’ve had several in-depth discussions to ensure there’s mutual understanding. I’m here to contribute meaningfully, not just show up, make short-term improvements, and leave. What excited me was the PCB’s focus on working with players outside of match tours — that’s where real development happens.”
The coach pointed to technical shortcomings that require consistent attention — particularly in areas like fielding, bowling strategies, and batting technique.
“You can’t expect major improvements in three or four days before a series,” he noted. “There are deep-rooted changes needed in how we train and think about the game, and that’s only possible with a structured, long-term approach.”
Hesson was officially appointed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on May 13. His impact was immediate: under his leadership, Pakistan sealed a 3-0 T20I series win over Bangladesh, their first home series victory in over three years.
