LAHORE - Newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has declared his long-term commitment to Pakistan cricket, promising to lay a solid foundation built on trust, unity, and deep player understanding.
The 50-year-old former New Zealand coach began his tenure with an emphatic 3-0 T20I series win over Bangladesh and is already setting clear expectations and strategic goals for the team’s future .Speaking candidly on the PCB Podcast, Hesson emphasised that his appointment is not just about managing matches, it’s about building a lasting cricketing culture.
“I don’t want to be here for six months, enjoy a few highs or survive a few lows, and then leave,” he said and added: “This is a medium-term project. Real development happens in the margins, in preparation, planning, and relationships, not just on match days.”
Before accepting the role, Hesson engaged in extensive discussions with key figures across the Pakistan cricket setup, including selectors, NCA staff, senior players, and PCB leadership, to ensure alignment and shared vision.“I came in with my eyes wide open,” he said. “I knew the history, I knew the challenges. I made sure everyone was on the same page before stepping into this role.” A central pillar of Hesson’s coaching philosophy is player understanding. Rather than dictating expectations, he focuses on promoting self-belief and ownership within the team.“As head coach, my responsibility is to get the best out of every individual. That starts by listening. You can’t demand excellence until players feel your support and understand the goals clearly.”
The coach also expressed confidence in newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, noting his leadership style encourages autonomy.“I trust Salman. You won’t see me over-managing from the sidelines. I believe in empowering players to take charge and learn from every moment.”
Beyond wins and losses, Hesson’s ambitions reflect a more emotional and enduring mission. “More than anything, I want the people of Pakistan to feel proud when they watch their team play. That’s the connection we’re trying to build, something deeper, something lasting.”