Mike Hesson set to takeover as Pakistan head coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking for a new permanent head coach and has posted a formal advertisement on its website on Saturday. As per reports, the interim coach Aqib Javed's appointment expired in February 2025. The coach isn't interested in renewing his appointment, and hence the board is looking for someone new. As per the details, a level-qualified coach with a minimum of 10 years of experience coaching national or domestic-level cricket teams is required for the Pakistan cricket team.

Now a latest development has confirmed that Mike Hesson, who is currently with Islamabad United in the PSL 2025, is all set to take over as the position for the Pakistan Men's Senior team, following the conclusion of the league. Javed had been appointed as an interim option post the resignation of Gary Kirsten, and now, Hesson is all set to replace the position officially, as per Daily Ausaf.

Javed was supposed to continue only until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but was given an extension for the white-ball series against New Zealand. 

Notably, Hesson, who is being looked after as a potential head coach, has worked with several successful teams in the past. Before joining forces with Islamabad United franchise, Hesson worked with Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) as the director of cricket. The New Zealand-born has also worked briefly with the BlackCaps international side, making him one of the top candidates for the spot.

Legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has also been reported to be another potential candidate for the position, however, Hesson's case seems stronger given the PSL experience. It is noteworthy to mention that Islamabad United had won the ninth edition of PSL, which was the debut for the Kiwi. In the ongoing tenth season, the Shadab Khan-led side has been having a stellar run, with four wins out of four games they have played so far.