Mike Hesson set to become the new head coach of Pakistan Cricket Team, will replace Aaqib Javed
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pakistan's Cricket Governing Body, is on the lookout for a new permanent head-coach for the National team and had even posted a formal advertisment on their official website on Saturday, 19th of April. In accordance to the latest news reports of the Pakistani-media, Aaqib Javed - the interim coach of the Shaheens will not continue in his position as his contract has already expired in February of this year.
Since he's not interested in becoming the permanent coach, the PCB is looking for someone who can replace him. As to the information, the Pakistani National cricket team needs a coach who is at least ten years experienced in coaching cricket teams at the national or domestic level.
Now, a huge update has come out and it has been confirmed that Mike Hesson - the former head coach of New Zealand, who's currently serving as the Islamabad United (IU) head-coach, is slated to be appointed as the new coach of the Green Shirts, following the completion of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. After the resignation of Gary Kirsten, Javed was brought on as a temporary solution, and according to the report of Daily Ausaf, Hesson is now prepared to take up the role formally.
Saqlain Mushtaq, the legendary off-break spinner, was also reportedly considered as another potential candidate for the coaching role, but the case of Hesson is stronger on the basis of his experience in the PSL. It's worth noting that Islamabad lifted the trophy in the 9th editon of the Pakistani t20 league, which was also the debut season of the 50-year-old. In the ongoing edition of the tournament, the Islamabad-based side are in stellar form, winning all four of their matches so far.
Hesson, who is considered the number one contender for the role of the head-coach of the Pakistani team, has previously worked with many prominent & successful teams in the past. Before joining Islamabad, the Kiwi worked for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as their Director-of-Cricket till 2023. He has also had a brief stint with the New Zealand National Cricket Team, making him one of the best candidate for the Shaheens.