Sports · Cricket · 5 hrs ago
Mike Hesson to remain Pakistan's interim Test coach through WTC cycle
Mike Hesson will remain Pakistan's interim Test coach until the current World Test Championship cycle ends in 2027.
Hesson, who is also Pakistan's white-ball head coach, took over the Test role during the team's tour of England.
He is set to oversee next year's Test series against New Zealand as part of the arrangement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not named a permanent coach for the next cycle.
Hesson's role will be reviewed after next year's World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
His influence over team selection has become a point of debate in Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam says selection is handled by team management and selectors, while he focuses on working with the players provided to him.
Mike Hesson will remain Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach through the end of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
The Pakistan Cricket Board and Hesson have told players he will also lead the team in next year’s Test series against New Zealand.
Hesson took on the interim role during Pakistan’s tour of England after predecessor Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked.
His influence over team selection has divided opinion in Pakistan cricket.
The board will review Hesson’s association with Pakistan after next year’s World Cup.
- Who
- Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, will continue as interim Test coach.
- What
- He will remain in the role until the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle ends.
- When
- The decision was reported on November 8, 2026. The cycle ends in 2027.
- Where
- Pakistan’s national cricket team.
- Why
- The PCB and Hesson agreed that he would continue through the current World Test Championship cycle.
PCB and team management
Former players and critics
Selection authority
PCB and team management
The team management and selection committee handle selection, while Hesson has been trusted with cricketing decisions by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Former players and critics
Critics have questioned Hesson’s influence over selection and other cricketing matters.
Team changes
PCB and team management
Not stated.
Former players and critics
Critics have questioned Hesson’s frequent changes to teams and players across formats.
Hesson joined Pakistan as the white-ball head coach.
Hesson took over as interim Test coach after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked.
The PCB decision for Hesson to continue through the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle was reported.
Hesson is set to lead Pakistan in its Test series against New Zealand.
Hesson’s association with Pakistan cricket is due to be reviewed.
- Interim Test coach
- Mike Hesson
- World Test Championship cycle
- 2025-27
- Next year’s Test series
- New Zealand
- PCB chairman
- Mohsin Naqvi
- Previous Test coach
- Sarfaraz Ahmed
2 sources
What people are saying
Hesson will also be interim head coach for next year's Test series against New Zealand. The board and head coach have both conveyed this to the players as well.
my job was to get the best out of the 15-16 players provided to me.