A new chapter has officially begun in Pakistan cricket, and Mike Hesson is at the heart of it. Appointed as Pakistan’s new head coach, the experienced Kiwi hasn’t wasted any time laying down his vision.
In his first major media interaction in Lahore, Hesson made it clear: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain vital cogs in the white-ball setup, despite recent shake-ups.
Backing the Big Guns
Let’s be honest — when Babar and Rizwan were dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, fans were left scratching their heads. Was it a permanent shift? Or just part of a bigger experiment?
Mike Hesson cleared the air.
“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are top-class players and integral to our white-ball plans,” he said confidently. “There are areas where they can improve, and they’re actively working on those.”
That’s the kind of backing senior players need — firm, fair, and forward-thinking. While both batters have faced criticism at times for strike rates and conservatism in T20s, their experience and quality remain undeniable.
The New Captaincy Shuffle
Another headline-grabber earlier this year was the captaincy switch. Mohammad Rizwan, who had only led Pakistan in two T20I series, was replaced by Salman Ali Agha.
A bold call? Maybe.
But it’s clear that the PCB is setting the tone for a more aggressive, dynamic future — and Hesson is aligned with that.
“We want to play aggressive cricket, but also smart cricket,” he said. “We’re very clear about the brand of cricket we want to play.”
Eyes on Bangladesh
Hesson’s first assignment will be a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, kicking off on May 28 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. And while Pakistan might be favourites on paper, the new coach is not underestimating the opposition.
“They’re a strong side and play good cricket. We will not take them lightly,” he warned.
That’s the kind of mindset you want from your head coach — respectful, but hungry.
With the T20 World Cup looming next year, Hesson isn’t just thinking short-term. He’s already focused on building momentum, finding the right combinations, and developing a squad that can challenge the world’s best.
“We’re fully focused on preparing well for the World Cup and optimistic about delivering a strong performance,” he said with conviction.
Final Word
Mike Hesson brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for tactical sharpness. His early comments show clarity, honesty, and belief — in both the process and the players.
As the Babar-Rizwan era gets a second wind under new guidance, fans have every reason to be excited. If Hesson can blend aggression with control, and back youth while respecting experience, Pakistan might just become a serious force heading into the World Cup.
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