Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed the appointment of former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach of the national team. Alongside him, former pacer Aqib Javed will take over as the Director of High Performance, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to rebuild and modernize its cricket structure.
The official announcement was made via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Naqvi wrote, “I’m pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and seasoned coach Mike Hesson will be joining the Pakistan Cricket Team as White Ball Head Coach starting May 26.”
In a follow-up post, Naqvi added, “To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, Aqib Javed joins us as Director of High Performance, complementing Mike Hesson’s appointment as White-ball Head Coach. Together, they will play a pivotal role in the evolution and success of Pakistan Cricket.”
Hesson, who was selected after reviewing a pool of applicants, brings a wealth of international coaching experience. He previously served as the head coach of New Zealand and later worked as Director of Cricket for IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. Most recently, he led Islamabad United to victory in PSL Season 9, showcasing his ability to adapt and deliver results quickly.
His appointment comes during a transitional phase for Pakistan cricket. Following the resignation of Gary Kirsten, Aqib Javed stepped in as interim coach. However, Javed declined an extension of his coaching role beyond February 2025. He now shifts focus to overseeing player development and strengthening the domestic structure as part of the PCB’s broader performance goals.
Meanwhile, former head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, who was also under consideration for the white-ball coaching role, is now expected to return as the national team’s bowling coach.
These strategic appointments reflect the PCB’s commitment to long-term development and consistent performance on the international stage, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.