Newly appointed white-ball head coach of Pakistan, Mike Hesson, recently shared insights into his coaching approach and long-term vision for the national team during an interview on the PCB Podcast with former Test cricketer Bazid Khan.
Hesson emphasized that his ultimate aim is to create a team that resonates with the public and inspires national pride. “I want the Pakistan public to say, ‘This is a great team to watch,’” he remarked.
Drawing from his extensive experience, including his successful stint with the New Zealand cricket team, Hesson explained that his coaching is centered on nurturing and maximizing players’ potential rather than imposing rigid instructions.
“Coaching is about getting the best out of each individual. It’s not about sharing my own past glories,” Hesson said. He highlighted the value of understanding each player’s unique journey, goals, and motivations as the key to meaningful development.
He stressed that strong relationships form the foundation of effective coaching. “Once you understand where a player is coming from, you can help them grow,” he said, underscoring that a one-size-fits-all method doesn’t work in modern cricket.
Clear and open communication is another cornerstone of Hesson’s strategy. He believes players should always be informed about what is expected of them. “It’s crucial to observe players and then decide when and how to guide them,” he added.
Hesson also plans to work closely with Pakistan’s domestic cricket system to identify and groom future stars. “We’ll be scouting players, talking to them, and making sure they’re equipped and adaptable enough to transition smoothly into international cricket,” he said.
His long-term goal is to build a sustainable system that benefits the team even after his tenure ends. “If things collapse after you leave, then you haven’t done your job right,” he noted, stressing the importance of legacy and continuity.
Hesson’s approach reflects a commitment to not only strengthening the current team but also laying the groundwork for lasting success in Pakistan cricket.
Asia Cup 2025 in Jeopardy Amid Rising Tensions
The upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 faces uncertainty due to escalating political tensions between Pakistan and India.
Originally scheduled to be hosted by India, the six-nation tournament now faces logistical and diplomatic obstacles. Although initial rumors suggested that India might withdraw from the event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly denied those claims.
However, a senior BCCI official has recently stated that no formal discussions have been held regarding the Asia Cup, leaving the situation unresolved. “We haven’t talked about the Asia Cup internally. Our focus has been on the IPL and the upcoming tour of England,” the official told Reuters.
Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a wait-and-see approach. “We’ll address the issue when it arises,” the PCB stated in response to questions about their team’s participation.
Compounding the uncertainty, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently postponed the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, originally slated to start on June 6 in Sri Lanka. The delay followed a request from Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, citing adverse weather and health risks from a chikungunya virus outbreak.
With no clear resolution in sight, the future of the Asia Cup 2025 remains uncertain.
